Global humanitarian spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led the “I Stand for Peace”, a peace festival in Chicago that attracted a large attendance including ranking United States congressmen, local, county and state elected officials and a great host of business and community leaders on June 26, 2022 at the University of Illinois Forum auditorium.
The Peace Festival “I Stand for Peace” elicited inspiring remarks from the elected officials in the backdrop of growing unrest, violence, crime in Chicago and all across the globe and the compelling need to usher peace, harmony, love and brotherhood. Congressman Danny Davis, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Rep Jim Durkin, Adarsh Shastri, grandson of former PM of India Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri, Hoffman Estates Police Chief Kasia Cawley and a host of State senators, state representatives, suburban mayors and other prominent faith leaders attended the gathering.
State Rep Jim Durkin said that he would table a resolution on the floor of the Illinois General Assembly to declare June 26th as the World Peace Day and celebrate its observance in the State of Illinois every year – which elicited sustained applause. Mayor Lori Lightfoot also sent a proclamation to the event, which was read by Alderman David Moore in which she declared June 26 each year to be “I Stand for Peace” Day.
Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, chair of the event & chair of the Illinois Medical Board welcomed the large gathering and emphasized on the significance of meditation as a proven effective tool by which we can purify and quieten our minds, thus rejuvenating the body. Dr. Reddy said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has come to Chicago at this critical juncture in time to reflect and address ways we can advance peace, harmony and love in the city, nation and indeed across the globe teeming in unrest.
Ajeet Singh, president, Indian American Business Council President said this Peace Meet fostered a robust interaction to advance peace, harmony, happiness, amity and goodwill and added “I Stand for Peace” campaign endeavors to strengthen and channel individuals’ commitment to peace holistically during these turbulent times. He profusely thanked Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for paying a visit and described his visit as historic.
Vinesh Virani of the Art of Living in Illinois said the worldwide sense of helplessness and hopelessness caused by the pandemic, war, and inflation has weighed heavily on the human psyche and therefore took a toll on mental health. He added Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s visit represents hope in these turbulent times.
