Held as a remarkable celebration of diversity and unity, the 4th World Culture Festival, reached its crescendo at the iconic National Mall in Washington DC, last week.
Hosted by the Art of Living Foundation (ALF), the event was said to follow last year’s Vibrant Africa – The Rising Rhythm Festival which took place in Nigeria in which the occasion brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate what was tagged: “Our Shared Humanity.”
Commenting on the occasion, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, delivering what he termed his message of home and positivity noted, said: “This is a celebration that can bridge the gap and so, it left an enduring impression on thousands of Nigerians.”
He said he was particularly gladdened at the 2023 occasion laced with presence of dignitaries such as Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Ooni of Ife, HRM Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as well as lightened by memorable concerts by Dare Art Alade, Waje, and Timi Dakolo, who all added to the festival’s vibrancy.
Shankar also disclosed that this year, the World Culture Festival, which made its debut in the United States, has been nothing short of a global phenomenon, adding that the occasion which spanned three days, had millions of attendees from over 180 countries, and showcased captivating performances from artists across the world.
He described it as an event that has truly become an unforgettable cultural extravaganza which celebrated voices, talents and creativity from every corner of the globe.
Former President Obasanjo, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of fostering love, kindness and brotherhood with humanity in the diverse world. He noted that sharing the stage with leaders as former United Nations 8th Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Koving, demonstrates they are echoing a call for global peace, security and inclusive prosperity.
Shankar then encouraged all attendees in-house and online that they should go ahead to spread happiness by cultivating stress-free minds, saying that mediation is their path to inner peace and harmonious society to remind them that they communicate more through their presence and vibration than through words.
He said the foundation, founded in 1981, is operating in 180 countries as a not-for-profit, education and humanitarian organization, to create a world peace through a stress-and-violence-free society, and had once partnered with the University of Lagos (UNILAG), for drug-free Nigeria campaign and to raise awareness about drug abuse and addiction among youths.
