Thousands gathered at the iconic Plaza La Santa Maria in Bogota, Colombia, to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This year’s celebration held special significance—it marked a decade of peace in Colombia. Ten years ago, in what can only be described as a historic achievement, the Colombian government and the FARC guerrilla group signed a peace agreement, bringing an end to a decades-long armed conflict. Gurudev had played a pivotal role in mediating the peace process.
Leading the Yoga Day celebration in Bogota, Gurudev reminded the gathering, “We must not mistake yoga just for a physical exercise. It is a state of our mind.” He also shared a lesser-known aspect of his global contributions—chairing the first committee that created the Common Yoga Protocol, the holistic sequence now followed around the world. “I’m very happy that at least one-third of the world’s population is now following this protocol. But, our work in the space of mental health doesn't end here. In fact, it's just the beginning.”
Also present at the event was the Director of the Observatory of Culture and Cultural Knowledge Management at Bogota's Secretariat of Culture, who reflected, “Very tense moments have gripped the country in recent weeks, and this day comes at the perfect time to balance the load and send a positive message to all the people of Bogotá.”
Back in 2015, Gurudev did what many believed was impossible. For nearly fifty years, a brutal war between the FARC rebels and the Colombian government had raged on. At a time when mistrust between the two sides was at its peak and multiple ceasefires had failed, Gurudev held a three-day dialogue with FARC commanders, urging them to adopt non-violence and embrace a broader vision for the country’s future. His intervention helped break the deadlock. FARC declared a year-long unilateral ceasefire—an unprecedented step that paved the way for the final agreement later that year.
Ten years later, Gurudev returned to Colombia, not just to mark the milestone, but to renew a vision of a more peaceful and united South America. Across Bogota, Medellín, and Cartagena, he met members of parliament, business leaders, and academics, introducing many to the profound experience of meditation. Gurudev also addressed the Colombian Parliament and inspired them to dream of “a world free from suffering, a world which is more loving, happier and peaceful. It could appear to be a utopia,” he said, “but I think it begins with a dream. If we start having this dream, I’m sure we can fulfill it.”
On June 20, Gurudev was conferred the Bolívar Governorate Medal ‘Honor to Civil Merit’ for his discipline, dedication, and unwavering contribution to building a better society. The Mayor of Cartagena de Indias, Dumek Turbay Paz, also recognized Gurudev’s immense humanitarian impact in promoting peace and happiness in the world.
Lika Gaveish, a filmmaker and photographer who attended The Art of Living’s World Culture Festival in New Delhi in 2016, recalled being deeply moved after hearing former President Santos speak about Gurudev’s role in the peace process, “My partner worked as a cameraman, filming in the conflict zones—I’ve seen how hard it’s been. Knowing that Gurudev played a role in bringing peace to that region really touched me. The world has a lot to be thankful to him for.”
