One of the most prolific organisations of the world is planning to establish its own Community Centre to cater to the growing needs of its members, volunteers and thousands of supporters and volunteers.
Art of Living Foundation (AOL) New Zealand will examine a number of alternatives to establish its Centre which would be easily accessible and convenient for people, its newly appointed President Rashmi Bhatia said.
“Art of Living has grown over the years to conduct regular classes, courses and programmes for teachers, the general public and the younger generation. There is therefore a growing need for a building for the purpose. Such a facility will help us deliver our services better,” she said.
Ms Bhatia said she deemed it an honour to be asked to lead the activities in New Zealand as the President of the Foundation.
Popular Courses
“Our courses are increasingly becoming popular among adults, youngsters and children. We would like to take them to these courses to schools and tertiary institutions for the larger benefit of the society,” she said.
According to her, AOL courses are tailored to meet all age groups, including ART Excel course for children aged between nine and 12 years, YES Course for teenagers in the 13 to 18 age group, YES Plus for people aged between 18-35 years and for adults.
“Millions of people around the world have benefited from these courses, enabling them to lead stress-free life at home and work. They also enjoy healthy lives, promoting better relationship with people. People of all ethnic groups attend these courses in New Zealand,” she said.
Ms Bhatia said the Foundation has been conducting free courses for Christchurch residents, who have been traumatised by the recent earthquake.
“Our volunteers also conduct such courses for prison inmates. The results have been outstanding and many have turned a new leaf,” she said.
Burgeoning Body
Mr Ravi Shankar established AOL as a non-political, non-religious and not-for-profit organisation in Bangalore to bring the best of Nature, humanity and the environment to the world and its people. The Organisation has since then grown to embrace several million people with branches in almost all parts of the world.
More than 2.5 million people from across the Continents attended the Foundation’s Silver Jubilee Celebrations held in Bangalore in February 2006.
“The 30th Anniversary will be marked in July 2011 in Berlin and about 70,000 are expected to attend the festivities which will be led by Mr Ravi Shankar. I hope that New Zealand will be represented by at least 100 people,” Ms Bhatia said.
Indian Newslink will publish further information about the Foundation and its activities in an ensuing edition.
