India

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Urges Gen Z to Voice Concerns While Avoiding ‘Anti-National’ Elements

By PTI

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told members of Generation Z on Wednesday that they should speak out about issues that affect them, but he cautioned them to stay away from “anti-social and anti-national” elements. He urged young people to exercise patience and restraint and not allow individuals with reckless mindsets to influence their thinking. The founder of the Art of Living Foundation made the remarks while speaking to the media during a visit to Vasad Ashram near Ankalawadi village in Gujarat’s Anand district. Asked to share a message with Gen Z, particularly in the context of ongoing movements and protests, he said, “You should definitely raise your voice about whatever problems you are facing. That is absolutely right. However, do not associate yourselves with anti-social elements. Anti-national elements infiltrate such movements, so stay away from them.” Ravi Shankar noted that today’s young people often swing between extremes, becoming aggressive over minor issues or slipping into depression. He expressed concern over the growing prevalence of depression, describing it as a major challenge in India and worldwide. The guru advocated meditation, yoga, self‑less service and spirituality as ways to cultivate mental well‑being. “One in every four people worldwide is depressed. This problem is also quite prevalent in India. To overcome this, people must adopt a spiritual path. So, everyone should practise meditation, do yoga, engage in service, and maintain patience and hope. Have faith that your life will be bright and continue to move towards a better future,” he said. Commenting on the challenges faced by India this year, including droughts and excessive rainfall in parts of the country, and ongoing conflicts worldwide, he said India has managed to navigate the difficult circumstances relatively well. “This year, the country has faced considerable hardship, with droughts in several places and excessive rainfall in many others. Because of these natural calamities, both excessive and insufficient rainfall, our society has suffered. Similarly, whatever wars are taking place anywhere in the world, their impact is now being felt by everyone,” he opined. He added that the world is interconnected and events in one region affect people across the globe. “India has managed this situation remarkably well and stayed steady, which is good news. I travel around the world and observe conditions in different places. So, I would say India is in a much better place,” he stressed. Ravi Shankar emphasised that India has remained comparatively stable despite these challenges due to its civilizational values, cultural understanding and longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence. He added that the spirit of coexistence was deeply embedded in Indian society and had helped the country maintain stability amid global uncertainties.