Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Oct 12: Art of Living and Vyakti Vikas Kendra founder and spiritual guru of international eminence, Sri Sri Ravishankar, has been conferred with the ‘Culture of Balance Award 2009’. He was selected for the award, considering his commitment and contribution towards maintaining cultural equilibrium at the global level.

The award, instituted by Forum Tiberius in Germany, was handed over to Sri Sri by Hemla Orosz, mayor of Dresden, at the special session of the World Culture Forum held at Volkswagen’s transparent factory in Dresden on Sunday October 11.

The selection committee had considered Ravi Shankar’s efforts in promoting inter-cultural dialogue, peace and reconcilliation in conflict zones and ethics in business, a release by the Art of Living Foundation said.

Various dignitaries including British member of the European Parliament Nirj Deva, Prof Gesine Schwan, dean of Humboldt-Viadrina School of Governance, Berlin and Prof Bernd Guggenberger, dean of Lessing University Berlin, hailed Sri Sri for his contribution in maintaining balance between different facets of culture.

While accepting the award, Sri Sri said that he wants to share this award with everyone who has worked hand in hand with his organizations, to create society that is free from violence and pressure.  “This is not an award for a person or personality. It is an honour to the principle that the entire world is one family with cultural diversity,” he commented.