Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar makes a loving plea to distressed Vidarbha Farmers; assures them they are not alone
“Gurudev’s work in the field of water conservation has brought real change in the lives of farmers,” shares Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis in a video message at The Art of Living’s Farmers Meet
Nagpur, 13 : In a moving moment witnessed at the grand Kissan Samrudhhi Mahotsav in Ramtek, the global spiritual master and humanitarian leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, was seen making a gentle, loving and earnest appeal to Vidarbha farmers to not take the drastic step, assuring them that they are not alone. “Tumhi ghabroo naka. Ishwar Ahe ” Gurudev lovingly said, as over 25,000 farmers from Marathwada present at the venue, looked on.
Gurudev emphasized the need for spiritual education along with practical solutions like natural farming and water conservation efforts, to help the farmers. “India is a spiritual country. Bread, clothing, and shelter alone are not enough; the mind also needs peace, it needs love,” Gurudev shared in his address, “The solution lies in the soil of India, in spirituality, in meditation. When we bring music, knowledge, and meditation into our lives, enthusiasm naturally arises. With this enthusiasm, farmers should take up natural farming. Many farmers have doubled, tripled, even quadrupled their income through natural farming. Today, farmers across India are drawing inspiration from Maharashtra’s farmers, and they in turn have become role models for farmers across the world. Gau (cows) and Krishi (farming) are the two wealths of our country and we have to protect them.”
Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis in his video message spoke about Gurudev’s spiritual stewardship in empowering farmers towards self-reliance over the years.
“His work in the field of water conservation – deepening of canals, water storage initiatives, and collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra on the Jal Yukt Shivar scheme – has brought real change in the lives of farmers.”
Two important MoUs were signed during the event. The first was between The Art of Living and Dr. Bipin, District Collector of Nagpur, for the establishment of a “Hirte Mati Prayogshala” (Living Soil Laboratory). Under this initiative, The Art of Living will also conduct specialized training programs to equip farmers with modern and effective agricultural techniques.
The second MoU was signed between The Art of Living and Ramtek Agro Vision Company, further strengthening efforts to support farmers with innovative solutions and capacity building in the agricultural sector.
Hon. Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Eknath Shinde mentioned how The Art of Living has paid special attention to the farmers of Maharashtra. “Gurudev’s projects like Jaltara and natural farming are benefiting the farming community. Gurudev has always believed that farmers must prosper, practice sustainable agriculture, and receive fair income. His millions of followers are carrying out this work with ease. Ground water is being recharged too. With such efforts, farmers cannot remain untouched by prosperity.”
*Dignitaries gracing the event also included*
Hon. Shri Dattatray Bharane ji, Agriculture Minister, Maharashtra Govt; Hon. Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule ji, Revenue Minister, Maharashtra Govt & Guardian Minister, Nagpur District and Hon. Shri Adv. Ashish Jaiswal ji, Minister of State for Agriculture, Finance & Planning, Law & Justice, Labour, Maharashtra Government.
Acknowledging Gurudev’s work in restoring global peace, Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule shared, “We have learned from you how to work for society. The work you are doing for global peace will continue to inspire people for thousands of years. With your presence, the land of Vidarbha has been sanctified.”
Under the collaboration between The Art of Living and the Government of Maharashtra, work is underway to clear 5 lakh cubic meters of canal sediment to boost irrigation and water security. With Jaltara structures already functional across 500 acres and large-scale tree plantations underway, the initiative promises to transform Maharashtra’s agricultural landscape.
“With Gurudev’s blessings, the massive desilting work of the canal has begun even in Ramtek, of the length that equals the distance you cover from traveling from Ramtek to Mumbai and back,” shared Shri Ashish Jaiswal.
While the farmers’ gathering formed the heart of the tour, Gurudev’s visit also carried deep spiritual and cultural significance. In Nagpur, Gurudev presided over a grand Rudra Puja while unveiling the rare relics of the original Somnath Jyotirlingam, which was destroyed by the invaders, and long believed to be lost to history.
“After a thousand years, Somnath ji has manifested again,” Gurudev shared, “Hidden for so long in a small village, he is now blessing people across the world.”
Gurudev shared, “devotion to the Divine and devotion to the nation are two sides of the same coin,” and Shri Mohan Bhagwat ji seconded the statement. Gurudev honored him as “a pride of our country.”
Gurudev also blessed the Sudha Daga Center for Excellence – Sri Sri Kaushal Vikas Kendra, envisioned to equip youth with skills training and entrepreneurial thinking. He blessed the newly established Ved Pathshala, where traditional wisdom and modern learning come together.
Taken together, Gurudev’s Nagpur visit was a powerful message that India’s progress rests on the three pillars of farmers’ prosperity, youth empowerment, and spiritual rootedness.
