Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to address French Parliament

Bengaluru: Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will address members of the French Parliament in Paris on October 18 and 19.

“Gurudev (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) will address the members of National Assembly and Senate of France on October 18 and 19 respectively at the behest of Paul Giacobbi, President of India France Parliamentary group and Fran ois Marc, the President of India France Group of Senators,” Art of Living said in a release.

It said the addresses will focus on conflict resolution and inter-confessional and inter cultural dialogue.

Stating that this is the first time that an Indian leader will be addressing both the houses of the French Parliament, Art of Living said he will address questions from French MPs after the sessions.

He will also be delivering a keynote address on ‘Ethics for a globalised and sustainable economy’ for experts and country representatives of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, one of the world’s most powerful political and economic platforms.

“To receive a spiritual leader without a political mandate is a big step in recognising the potential of the soft power of India,” Art of Living France Executive Director Serge Michenaud said.

After Paris, Sri Sri is slated to visit Poland, Sweden and Norway, addressing public programmes in these countries, the release said, adding, he is scheduled to deliver on October 23 keynote address at the Peace Conference in the Norwegian Parliament.

PTI