The learning curve

In order to accommodate the flood, Bangalore8217;s Jakkur airfield is the latest venue. The reception committee for the event reads like a who8217;s who of Indian politics, industry, entertainment and bureaucracy. Former President R Venkataraman is the reception committee chairman; the invitation letters are signed by its vice-chairman, former CBI director DR Karthikeyan. Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will inaugurate the event, while President APJ Kalam will deliver the valedictory address on February 19. Also on the rolls are several heads of state, religious leaders, various artists, a Gujarati farmer who benefitted from water harvesting techniques taught by the foundation, and a villager whose tsunami-slashed house was rebuilt by them.

Considering the turnout, Bangalore city authorities have decided to open a nearby six-lane highway, of which only two lanes have been in use till date. Over 20,000 volunteers are working to organise the event. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation is offering over 4,000 buses to ferry the believers; special trains will run from Yelahanka to Bangalore. According to AOL, locals have opened their homes to foreign and domestic visitors. Several engineering colleges in the city have postponed classes so that their premises can be used to accommodate people. 8216;8216;When we saw so many people offering to be part of the event, we scaled up our arrangements,8217;8217; says Mamata Kailkhura from AOL.

That frenetic activity is a public ode to their guru, Sri Sri Ravishankar, and his influence over almost three decades. 8216;8216;The Guru8217;s role is dependent on his students. Everybody is born something,8217;8217; says Ravishankar. But, according to his younger sister Bhanumathi Narasimhan, Ravishankar was born a leader. 8216;8216;Even when he was very young, everybody used to pay attention to him. Older students in school and even teachers listened to what he had to say,8217;8217; she says.

Bhanu Didi, as she8217;s called, was also Ravishankar8217;s first disciple. The duo grew up in a Gandhian household and both parents were supportive of Ravishankar8217;s spiritual inclinations. While still toddlers, their father sent them to learn shlokas. Ravishankar was soon correcting older students, and by the age of four, he knew the Bhagwad Gita by heart. 8216;8216;The teacher told our father that he is a gifted child,8217;8217; smiles Narasimhan.

It was a small start to the iconic status he8217;s at today. 8216;8216;He was always sharing what he knew and giving talks and lectures,8217;8217; she remembers. Then Ravishankar developed the Sudharshan Kriya, a breathing technique that combines yoga and meditation, which millions count on as a de-stressor.

Its practitioners say Sudharshan Kriya also has restorative and curative powers, even against ailments like cancer. 8216;8216;For every mood of mind, there is a particular rhythm in breath and a definite sensation created in the body. Our endocrine system, our feelings and our breath are all related. Pineal, pituitary and hypothalamus are closely linked with the breath and moods of the mind,8221; says Ravishankar. As for the results, 8216;8216;There is evidence of people healing,8217;8217; he says.

Ravishankar launched the Art of Living Programme in 1982. Since then it has grown exponentially, with an active presence in 144 countries. And with a roster of high-profile celebrity students, it is a phenomenal marketing success. 8216;8216;The message really spread by word of mouth,8217;8217; says AOL member Swami Brahmatej. 8216;8216;There is a centre in Mongolia because a Mongolian couple who lived in Delhi attended the course and wanted to take it to their country,8217;8217; he says.

In the 8217;90s, AOL attracted many young people who became teachers and began conducting courses and setting up centres. 8216;8216;It8217;s like Microsoft. Because of its utility, everybody wants to experience it,8217;8217; explains Swami Brahmatej. But AOL is no longer just about spirituality and meditation. Ravishankar has successfully converted his follower base into one of the largest volunteer organisations in the world.

It works for sustainable rural development, covering 25,300 villages. Its 5 8216;H8217; programme, which stands for Home, Hygiene, Health, Harmony and Human Values, has set up schools, built homes, and provided jobs for women. And AOL courses have moved on from corporates to the prison system, including the notorious Tihar jail.

Ravishankar considers AOL a powerful catalyst for social transformation. Wherever there is trouble, AOL volunteers are there. Many spent the better part of last year in Sri Lanka and Kashmir. The main reason Ravishankar connects with so many is because he effectively bridges the gap between spirituality and religion. 8216;8216;It8217;s about honouring love. Spirituality is, in fact, the soul of religion but unfortunately today that is lost,8217;8217; he says.

In one of his prescribed exercises, Ravishankar asks students to face each other, and imagine that the person in front of them is God. The idea is simple: If people appreciate each other as God, the world would be a better place. Such simple moral science has thousands clamouring to be a part of Ravishankar8217;s universe.

So how will he retain his touch, maintain his connectivity? 8216;8216;There are millions of telephone lines worldwide, but the small mobile can reach everybody. Why don8217;t you ask how one small mobile phone can reach millions of people in the world?8217;8217;