India (Commonwealth Union)_ In a historic tribute to wisdom and humanitarian service, the Commonwealth Union extends its warmest 70th birthday wishes to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. To add a personal touch to the celebration, the President of the Commonwealth Union, His Excellency Hon. Nirj Deva, travelled to Bengaluru to deliver his greetings in person. Meeting with Gurudev in the lively atmosphere of the Ashram, he conveyed his highest respect and warmest birthday wishes on behalf of the Commonwealth Union. Besides the formal greeting, the President also joined the milestone celebrations and participated in a number of commemorative events, witnessing the impact of the Art of Living movement first hand. Gurudev celebrated his 70th birthday on 13 May, 2026, marking seven decades of a life dedicated to uplifting the human spirit.
As the world’s leading cyber community, the Commonwealth Union is a massive network of 2.6 billion people and 150 million businesses spanning the Commonwealth of Nations and the MENA 7 regions. United by common values in the digital era, the Commonwealth Union celebrates Gurudev as a principal architect of global harmony whose influence echoes across continents and cultures. The onset of this 70th year aligns with a period when Gurudev’s philosophies are more relevant than ever. His work has attracted the attention of a varied international audience, from mental health experts and policymakers to wellness proponents, from Europe and the United States to the core of Asia. For the Commonwealth Union, commemorating this milestone is more than a token of respect; it is a recognition of a mutual mission to bring people together through empathy and a collective sense of direction.
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India celebrates Gurudev’s 70th birthday with deep devotion
Across the length and breadth of India, the atmosphere was one of deep gratitude. In the ancient city of Varanasi, the air was thick with devotion as followers gathered to perform the Mahasudarshan Kriya and Guru Puja. The rain and sudden thunderstorms that hindered the celebrations did not dampen the spirit of the gathering. Undeterred by the adverse weather, thousands continued to come together, reaffirming that the peace cultivated through the Art of Living is a haven amidst the storm.
Veterans of the foundation took the stage to reflect on the core principles of Gurudev’s teachings: the importance of regular meditation and the urgent need to revive human values in a fractured world. The day ended with a majestic Mahasatsang in the evening, a vibrant amalgamation of song and silence that echoed the spiritual master’s long journey over the years. For his followers, the celebration was a testament to a life that had successfully bridged the gap between ancient Vedic wisdom and the complexities of modern humanitarian needs.
National leaders’ heartfelt tributes and personal connections
The 70th birthday festivities reached a peak at the Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru, where a historic gathering took place. The political and social spectrum of India was well-represented in the flood of well-wishes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Gurudev to honour both his 70th year and the 45th anniversary of the movement. The Prime Minister, while inaugurating the magnificent new Dhyan Mandir, praised the spiritual leader’s unwavering spirit of service. He noted that when work is carried out with such a pure resolve, the results are naturally fulfilling and transformative for society.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari personally visited Bengaluru’s Art of Living Center to celebrate Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s 70th birthday, wishing the spiritual leader a wonderful year ahead filled with joy, health, and prosperity. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded Gurudev’s vision for a “stress-free, violence-free world”. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also added their voices to the chorus, noting how the teachings of peace and compassion have inspired millions of lives worldwide. Leader K. Annamalai and many others have echoed similar sentiments, observing that the wisdom emanating from the Bengaluru Ashram continues to bring harmony to many lives.
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Celebrities shower Gurudev with birthday wishes
The entertainment industry, which has long found solace in Gurudev’s guidance, was equally vocal. Actor Lara Dutta posted an emotional tribute on social media, recalling years of mentorship. She expressed her profound gratitude, saying she is “happiest in his presence” and wishing for many more years of his sheltering guidance. The message resonated with many who see Gurudev not just as an international figure but as a personal guide on their individual journeys of mental and emotional well-being. From the world of sports, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar shared a heartfelt message praying for Gurudev’s continued health and a long life dedicated to humanity. Filmmaker SS Rajamouli also expressed his wishes to Gurudev. The wide-ranging support, from global leaders to cultural icons, highlights the universal appeal of a message that transcends political differences and social stratifications, stressing instead the universal nature of human experience.
Rajinikanth shares a memorable experience of ego and spirituality
One of the most poignant moments of the celebration came from Indian cinema’s Superstar, Rajinikanth. In a speech that moved from humour to deep humility, the legendary actor recounted a 15-day stay at the Art of Living International Centre. He shared a story that has since become a highlight of the anniversary: a walk through the ashram where, despite his massive fame, not a single person stopped him for an autograph or a photo.
Rajinikanth told the audience that while he initially felt a sense of celebrity pride, the experience of being “ignored” by hundreds of meditating followers actually crushed his ego in the most beautiful way. He observed that while cinematic stardom is fleeting, “spiritual stardom” is supreme and eternal, growing even after one is gone. His reflection was a powerful reminder of the environment Gurudev has created, where the soul is more important than the persona.
The Art of Living Foundation: A global force for good
Founded in 1981, The Art of Living has grown into one of the largest non-profit organizations in the world. Guided by the principle that there can be no peace in the world without peace within the individual, the foundation applies ancient spiritual wisdom to modern scientific methods of stress relief and has reached out to people in over 180 countries. What started as a small gathering has now evolved into a vast network of volunteers for social change. Beyond meditation centres, the organization has made giant strides in areas such as prison reform, environmental sustainability, and disaster relief. From bringing peace to war-torn regions to providing education to rural communities, the foundation’s work is a direct reflection of Gurudev’s commitment to holistic human development. In an increasingly fast-paced and digital world, the foundation’s focus on inner peace remains a vital anchor for global mental health.
The Commonwealth Union
The Commonwealth Union is a pioneering digital bridge that unites the 2.6 billion people and 150 million businesses across the Commonwealth and MENA7 nations within a single, value-driven cyber community. It is rooted in two centuries of shared history and a commitment to mutual progress. It is a registered non-governmental organization with offices in major hubs across the globe, including London, Delhi, Colombo, Accra and Sharjah. More than just connecting people, the Commonwealth Union is a full-spectrum media outlet, reporting critical news from the Commonwealth Secretariat and a range of development initiatives. To support the modern economy, the Union is launching 150 specialized digital verticals, including the Digital Banking and Blockchain Networks to modernize financial interactions; The Port and Agricultural Networks to streamline global trade and food security; The Airlines and Hotels Networks to enhance the travel and hospitality sectors. Led by His Excellency Hon. Nirj Deva and an eminent group of world citizens, the Commonwealth Union aims to providing practical solutions for a variety of economic transactions on the net, empowering its members to thrive with the support of dedicated service networks.
Happy birthday to the spiritual leader who transformed the lives of millions
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is entering his seventieth decade, and his legacy is cemented as a global humanitarian movement. Over the past 40 years, he has shown that spirituality is not an escape from the world, but a way to better participate in the world. His initiatives in trauma relief and social harmony continue to provide a roadmap for a better future, reaching the most marginalized communities with a message of dignity and hope.
Today, he remains a symbol of India’s spiritual riches, a soft power, and a gift to the world. With followers across the globe, the celebrations of his 70th birthday are not only a time to reflect on what has been achieved but also a time to look forward to the ongoing impact of a man who believes that “love and service are the two wings of a bird”. The Commonwealth Union and the world community join in wishing him a year of health, joy, and continued inspiration.
