4th World Culture Festival @ 42: Obasanjo, Gurudev Others Encourage Inclusive Society Worldwide in Washington DC

The former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo among other top leaders globally have encouraged a better existence for an inclusive society.

He said this at the Art of Living Foundation Cultural Festival at the National Mall in Washington DC US to celebrate unity among diversity.

According to Obasanjo, “We have an unrelenting task of working to add love, kindness, brotherhood, humanity, humaneness to the world of diversity that God has given us.

“Only then we will have one world of peace, security, stability, wholesomeness, economic growth, shared prosperity and inclusive society.”

He remarked on achieving unity while addressing the hall of dignitaries like the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon; the former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, among other esteemed global leaders.

The Culture Festival in Nigeria, which was described as “a celebration that can bridge the gap” by the humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of thousands of people in Nigeria.

The celebration of global diversity in Nigeria last year had dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Oni of Lekki Land, Oba Onimedu of Orimedu Land, Oba Dokun Thompson, Abayomi Daramola Balogun of Oniru Kingdom.

“Sound stretched is music, moments stretched in rhythm is dance, mind stretched is meditation and life stretched is celebration,” says Ravi Shankar.

He also encouraged the audience, both present and online, to commit themselves to bringing more happiness to society.

While emphasising the importance of a stress-free mind, the guru underscored the need to meditate for a peaceful society.

He recommended: “We convey more through our presence and vibrations. We need to make our vibrations positive. Meditation is the way.”

The event also witnessed memorable performances by prominent artistes like popular African singer and songwriter, Darey Art Alade, Waje, Timi Dakolo, Naomi Mac, Lov’d Serenades and Nigerian actress Nancy Isime.

With its debut in the US this year, the event remains an unforgettable cultural extravaganza, featuring incredible voices, talent, and creativity from millions of people around the world.

Operating in 180 countries, The Art of Living Foundation is a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by Ravi Shankar.

All of the Art of Living Foundation’s programmes are inspired by Gurudev’s philosophy of creating world peace through a stress-free and violence-free society.

The Art of Living Foundation has reached over 2.3 million Africans and united more than 32 African countries through peace campaigns.

The Foundation has taught Happiness and Youth Leadership Training Programs in Nigeria for more than 10 years and has impacted thousands of people in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Enugu, and the Delta States.

In partnership with the University of Lagos, the Foundation launched the Drug-Free Nigeria campaign to create awareness about drug abuse and addiction among youths.