[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING HIS HOLINESS SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2019

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor his Holiness Sri 
Sri Ravi Shankar, a Hindu spiritual leader and humanitarian who has 
devoted his life to eliminating violence and spreading compassion 
throughout the world. I also wish to acknowledge the America Meditates 
guided meditation conducted today in Denver, Colorado by His Holiness 
as part of the National Summit for Mental Health and Mental Fitness, an 
event that will be livestreamed nationwide and joined by thousands of 
His Holiness' devotees.
   His Holiness's teachings emphasize the close relationship between 
spirituality, compassion for others, and concern for the environment. 
According to his beliefs, spirituality is open to all people regardless 
of religion or culture, because the bond that all humans share is 
stronger than any characteristics that may divide us.
   His Holiness has taken part in extensive humanitarian work around 
the world. Volunteers from his many service organizations have 
distributed food and emergency supplies, and provided spiritual support 
and counseling, to victims from natural disasters including Hurricane 
Katrina in the United States and the 2004 tsunami that devastated 
Southeast Asia.
   Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a champion of peace, and has actively sought 
to assist in efforts to mediate conflicts in Southeast Asia, the Middle 
East, South America and on the Indian subcontinent. His Holiness has 
dedicated himself to social initiatives all over the world and 
especially in India, where he has worked to increase voter awareness 
and establish free health camps, and address social problems ranging 
from drug abuse to the rehabilitation of prison populations. His 
Holiness has also worked to protect our environment with an assortment 
of water and river rehabilitation projects, and through efforts ranging 
from programs to help train farmers on creating seed banks to building 
waste management facilities.
   In recognition of his decades of service, His Holiness has been 
honored with awards from countries including India, Argentina, Brazil, 
Colombia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Russia and the 
United States. In 2016, the Government of India awarded him the ``Padma 
Vibhushan'', its second highest civilian honor.
   His Holiness continues his work throughout the world to bring peace 
and understanding through meditation and spiritual growth. Madam 
Speaker, I want to recognize His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for the 
good work he has done through his spiritual leadership and humanitarian 
service, and commend him for his continued efforts to make a more just 
and peaceful world.

                          ____________________