Yasmin Bilal
Former African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has taken part in high-level celebrations at the Art of Living Foundation International Centre in Bengaluru, India. The event marked the organisation’s 45th anniversary, as well as the 70th birthday of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
The four-day programme ran from 10 to 14 May. It brought together global political, religious and development leaders for engagements focused on peace-building, education, and sustainable development.
The celebrations drew thousands of participants from across the world. Delegations from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean were in attendance. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended parts of the programme.
During her visit, Dlamini-Zuma engaged with several development initiatives under the foundation. These included programmes in healthcare, youth skills training, regenerative agriculture and education.
At the Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust facilities, she toured training centres offering practical skills development. These included drone technology, solar energy systems, electric mobility, computer literacy and carpentry. The programmes aim to equip young people with job-ready skills linked to emerging industries.
She also observed agricultural initiatives focused on organic farming, soil regeneration and sustainable food production. She noted their relevance to global food security and rural development challenges.
A visit to the Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research Hospital highlighted integrated healthcare approaches. These combine modern medicine with traditional systems such as Ayurveda, naturopathy and stress management therapies.
Youth development demonstrations showcased mindfulness-based learning methods. These are designed to improve focus, confidence and emotional resilience among children and adolescents.
Dlamini-Zuma said several of the initiatives reflected principles aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063. She pointed to ethical leadership, youth empowerment and sustainable development as key areas of alignment.
She described the gathering as an example of unity through service-driven leadership. It brought together diverse cultures and faiths under a shared development agenda.
The visit concluded with her attendance at Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s birthday celebrations. She extended goodwill wishes and expressed optimism for stronger collaboration between Africa and global development institutions.