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Business Standard
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Shy to Strong: The Art of Living Transforms Girls' Lives in Karnataka & Maharashtra
NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], June 25: In the quiet lanes of Haveri and the bustling neighborhoods of Dharavi and Kalyan, an inspiring story of transformation is taking shape. Rooted in the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a revered humanitarian and spiritual leader, The Art of Living - through its Social Projects arm and in collaboration with Ashirvad Pipes by Aliaxis - is enabling hundreds of young women from underserved communities with practical skills and helping them step boldly into their future. From 2024 to 2025, this transformative initiative has trained 375 women across Karnataka and Maharashtra - reaching those from underserved communities with little to no access to such opportunities. What makes this initiative remarkable isn't just the curriculum - it's the confidence it instills. At the core of the initiative is the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) - a game changing blend of ancient wisdom and modern tools. Through Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, and meditation, participants develop inner resilience and emotional strength. These practices are complemented by interactive sessions on leadership, communication, and confidence-building, nurturing both personal growth and community awareness. In addition to inner transformation, the programme offers practical, job-oriented training in spoken English, basic computer literacy, Tally accounting software, and customer service. This integrated approach equips women with the mindset and competencies needed to step into roles such as office assistants, front desk executives, and customer service representatives, setting them firmly on the path to economic independence. Stories of Change: Voices from the Ground Vidyashree Nyamati A diploma holder and mother of two, Vidyashree once set aside her career dreams for family responsibilities. Yet her determination never faded. Walking 15 kilometres daily to attend the centre, she embraced every opportunity the programme offered. Today, she leads as the Centre Coordinator in Haveri, a role she earned through grit and grace. "I still remember buying myself a new dress with my first salary, just in time for Eid," she shared with a smile. "It was a proud moment for me and my family." Jayashree Koppad After completing the programme, Jayashree began working part-time as a Telecaller at BMS Electronics. With her income, she now supports her education while easing the financial burden on her parents, marking her first step toward independence. Salma Bidari Salma, once held back by family restrictions, is now a Computer Operator and Receptionist. Her first salary brought tears of joy to her mother and shifted her family's perspective - from hesitation to pride and respect. Saniya Hosmani Now working at a Dish TV office, Saniya serves customers with grace and confidence. "I am living a dream right now," Saniya says. For the first time, she bought Eid gifts for her family - a moment of joy she described as "beyond words." Meenakshi At Mahaveer Automobiles, Meenakshi handles the front desk with quiet efficiency and reliability. Her role has not only brought financial stability to her home but also made her a pillar of strength for her family. Behind the scenes, facilitators like Savitri Amma nurtured the women's journeys. "These girls arrive shy and hesitant. Within months, they're speaking up, leading groups, and dreaming bigger," she says. "It's been a joy to witness." To ensure long-term success, the women received prestigious certifications from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Ashirvad Pipes, and Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (SSRDP) - an NSDC approved training partner. The results have been heartening: 202 women have received job offers, and all 375 have received dedicated placement assistance. Project Coordinator Ketki Vaidya captures the spirit of the mission: "We're not just teaching skills here. We're building a generation of women who believe in themselves. They're no longer just students - they're leaders." This initiative exemplifies what's possible through holistic training, community engagement, and a deep belief in human potential. It also reflects the strength of corporate collaboration in delivering measurable social impact. Equally essential has been local support. Community leaders like Bharathi Jambigi have helped ensure participant safety and encouragement throughout the journey. With more centres planned across India, this movement is not just transforming individual lives - it's setting in motion a ripple of change that uplifts families and transforms communities And this is just the beginning. Sri Sri Rural Development Program (SSRDP) is dedicated to uplifting rural communities across India. Inspired by the teachings of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, initiatives leverage sustainable technologies, value-based education, and strategic partnerships to empower farmers, enhance livelihoods, and foster a balanced, prosperous environment.
Fashion Value Chain
25-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Shy to Strong: The Art of Living Transforms Girls' Lives in Karnataka & Maharashtra
In the quiet lanes of Haveri and the bustling neighborhoods of Dharavi and Kalyan, an inspiring story of transformation is taking shape. Rooted in the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a revered humanitarian and spiritual leader, The Art of Living – through its Social Projects arm and in collaboration with Ashirvad Pipes by Aliaxis – is enabling hundreds of young women from underserved communities with practical skills and helping them step boldly into their future. Soft skills, strong squad From 2024 to 2025, this transformative initiative has trained 375 women across Karnataka and Maharashtra – reaching those from underserved communities with little to no access to such opportunities. What makes this initiative remarkable isn't just the curriculum – it's the confidence it instills. At the core of the initiative is the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) – a game changing blend of ancient wisdom and modern tools. Through Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, and meditation, participants develop inner resilience and emotional strength. These practices are complemented by interactive sessions on leadership, communication, and confidence-building, nurturing both personal growth and community awareness. Jayashree Koppad finds independence through a telecalling job In addition to inner transformation, the programme offers practical, job-oriented training in spoken English, basic computer literacy, Tally accounting software, and customer service. This integrated approach equips women with the mindset and competencies needed to step into roles such as office assistants, front desk executives, and customer service representatives, setting them firmly on the path to economic independence. Stories of Change: Voices from the Ground Vidyashree Nyamati A diploma holder and mother of two, Vidyashree once set aside her career dreams for family responsibilities. Yet her determination never faded. Walking 15 kilometres daily to attend the centre, she embraced every opportunity the programme offered. Today, she leads as the Centre Coordinator in Haveri, a role she earned through grit and grace. 'I still remember buying myself a new dress with my first salary, just in time for Eid,' she shared with a smile. 'It was a proud moment for me and my family.' Jayashree Koppad After completing the programme, Jayashree began working part-time as a Telecaller at BMS Electronics. With her income, she now supports her education while easing the financial burden on her parents, marking her first step toward independence. Salma Bidari Salma, once held back by family restrictions, is now a Computer Operator and Receptionist. Her first salary brought tears of joy to her mother and shifted her family's perspective – from hesitation to pride and respect. Saniya Hosmani Now working at a Dish TV office, Saniya serves customers with grace and confidence. 'I am living a dream right now,' Saniya says. For the first time, she bought Eid gifts for her family – a moment of joy she described as 'beyond words.' Meenakshi At Mahaveer Automobiles, Meenakshi handles the front desk with quiet efficiency and reliability. Her role has not only brought financial stability to her home but also made her a pillar of strength for her family. Behind the scenes, facilitators like Savitri Amma nurtured the womens journeys. 'These girls arrive shy and hesitant. Within months, they're speaking up, leading groups, and dreaming bigger,' she says. 'It's been a joy to witness.' To ensure long-term success, the women received prestigious certifications from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Ashirvad Pipes, and Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust (SSRDP) – an NSDC approved training partner. The results have been heartening: 202 women have received job offers, and all 375 have received dedicated placement assistance. Project Coordinator Ketki Vaidya captures the spirit of the mission: 'We're not just teaching skills here. We're building a generation of women who believe in themselves. They're no longer just students – they're leaders.' This initiative exemplifies what's possible through holistic training, community engagement, and a deep belief in human potential. It also reflects the strength of corporate collaboration in delivering measurable social impact. Equally essential has been local support. Community leaders like Bharathi Jambigi have helped ensure participant safety and encouragement throughout the journey. With more centres planned across India, this movement is not just transforming individual lives – it's setting in motion a ripple of change that uplifts families and transforms communities And this is just the beginning. About The Art of Living Social Projects – SSRDP Sri Sri Rural Development Program (SSRDP) is dedicated to uplifting rural communities across India. Inspired by the teachings of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, initiatives leverage sustainable technologies, value-based education, and strategic partnerships to empower farmers, enhance livelihoods, and foster a balanced, prosperous environment. Follow: Like: Post: Message:
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Times of Yoga brings together Kochi residents
Kochi: An event titled Times of Yoga was held on Saturday at Ivy League Apartments in Kakkanad as part of a pan-India wellness initiative. The programme was based on this year's theme, Yoga for One Earth, One Health. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Organised by The Times of India in association with Welcare Hospital, Bank of India, Redporch Nest, Vaidyaratnam, Plumeria Holidays, Chittilappilly Square, Luxon Motors, and The Art of Living, the event featured a two-hour wellness session from 7am to 9am. People of all age groups—from children to senior citizens—participated, united by a shared commitment to health and well-being. The session was led by Raj Gopal Krishnan, an accomplished yoga instructor and general secretary of the India Yoga Association (Kerala Chapter), who is also an international faculty member at The Art of Living. He guided participants through a sequence of postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices tailored to all skill levels. "The session was inclusive and relaxing—great for beginners," said Vrinda Menon, a resident. Eighty-year-old Chidambaran KK from Ernakulam said, "Yoga keeps me energetic. Though my limbs were stiff at first, it has helped my flexibility and health over the years." Children, too, enjoyed the experience. "I learned new asanas, and the instructor even told jokes!" said Class V student Ameya Rahul. Welcare Hospital also set up a kiosk for basic health screenings. Chief operating officer of the hospital Dr Thomas Mathew also handed over privilege cards offering residents discounts on consultations and other services. "Yoga reminds us to pause and care for our inner peace," Krishnan said, reflecting on the day's significance.
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See pictures from Wicklow petting farm
The sold-out event featured attractions such as face painting and a cosy movie corner, perfect for the whole family. Youngsters in attendance were able to create lasting memories through an indoor petting farm, which allowed them get up close and personal with an array of different animals, including furry bunny rabbits and cute recent hatchlings. Parents had their cameras at the ready at all times to capture the special moment between their child and the animals present in the petting farm. There was also an opportunity to catch some Easter-themed cinema offerings in the comfy movie corner, as families gathered together to watch all the action unfold. There was also plenty of arts and crafts activities lined-up for all the talented kids present. Meanwhile, The Avon also has an action-packed line-up of different events taking place over the coming weeks, starting with a performance from Irish stand-up comedian Al Porter taking place on Thursday, May 8. 'The Art of Living' takes place on Sunday, May 18, from 9.30am to 4.30pm and is a special one-day training event designed to help you reconnect with yourself, release stress, and embrace a new way of experiencing happiness. Rooted in profound teachings on mindfulness, meditation, and personal growth, this event brings together The Positive Habit Community for a truly enriching experience. Through a carefully curated blend of teachings, meditation, hypnotherapy, qi gong and an immersive sound bath, you'll be guided to explore timeless wisdom in a way that is both practical and deeply restorative.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Skill Development by The Art of Living Empowers Rural Communities
BENGALURU, India, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In remote border villages where isolation often leads to limited access to resources and opportunities, The Art of Living Social Projects has emerged as a lifeline. With a focus on skill development, the organisation has pioneered transformative projects that build self-sufficiency and foster resilience in some of the most difficult environments. These efforts are deeply inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's profound vision of care and compassion, which seeks to uplift every individual and create a more connected and empowered society. Turning Challenges into Change: Individual Stories So far The Art of Living Social Projects has trained 4,20,000+ young adults in livelihood skills in over 500 districts of 23 states and union territories in India. Consider the case of Jonny Rapo from Daporijo, a small town tucked away in Upper Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh. Her life changed dramatically when she joined The Art of Living Social Projects' Skill Training Programme in Bangalore, gaining skills in computer literacy and solar installation. Confident and financially independent, she now teaches these skills to others, proving that one initiative can ripple through a community, uplifting many. Kamesh Maurya, a determined 19 year old from Baknauri village in Uttar Pradesh, transformed his dreams into reality with The Art of Living's Mobile Repair Training Program, in partnership with Radico Khaitan. In December 2024; he launched his own mobile repair shop, marking a milestone that not only granted him financial independence but also provided vital support to his family. Kamesh's story is one of determination, reflecting the significant impact of the right guidance. From Farming to Financial Independence By introducing sustainable farming practices and offering training in mushroom farming and small-scale marketing, the organisation has helped villagers, especially women, start small businesses. Self-help groups and newly established bank accounts are bringing financial stability and independence to hundreds of families, transforming not only their income but also their confidence. Educating the Next Gen: Digital Literacy and Leadership One of the most striking initiatives is the organisation's work in education and youth empowerment. Digital literacy programmes are providing young people with critical computer skills, preparing them for a brighter future. The Art of Living's Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP), which has trained over 2,00,000 young people across rural India, is equipping youth in these villages to lead projects addressing local issues, from addiction to sanitation. Building Trust: The Key to Community-Led Development Sweeping change doesn't happen overnight. Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's vision of a connected community, many Art of Living volunteers have dedicated countless hours to building trust with traditionally close-knit tribes. For example, one volunteer biked over 200 kilometers to reach the Mishmi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh where he spent 15 days living among the community, understanding their needs, and building relationships before initiating the targeted project assigned to him. This approach, grounded in trust, is central to The Art of Living Social Projects' philosophy of community-led development. Key Strategies Behind the Success of Skill Development Programmes Mobilisation:The Art of Living Social Projects connects with school and college dropouts, unemployed individuals, and those uncertain about their career paths, offering the support they need to take the first step toward a better future. Domain Skill Training:Training programmes align with government standards, providing hands-on experience and guidance to ensure participants gain the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Empowerment Programmes:Beyond technical skills, the organisation equips individuals with essential soft skills like entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workplace safety, enhancing employability and fostering self-reliance. Mentorship:Ongoing support with placement assistance, career advice, and guidance on self-employment is offered; helping individuals build sustainable careers and lasting income. Additional Highlights and Partnerships Rural Development with CMS Info Systems Limited: In Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, 200 youth are being trained in employability skills through the Bridge Training Program and YLTP initiative. Skill Development with Radico Khaitan Phase 2: In Rampur, Uttar Pradesh 315 candidates will be trained in A2E (Access to Employability),Tally, Mobile Repair, Tailoring and Beautician skills. Skill Development with Radico Khaitan Phase 3: In Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, 390 underprivileged youth and 165 women, will receive job certification training to enhance self-employment opportunities. Skill Training for Women with Ashirvad by Aliaxis Pipes: In Karnataka and Maharashtra, 375 women are being equipped with skills to thrive in their communities. Skill Development in Maharashtra with Pramod Mahajan Grameen Kaushalya Vikas Kendra (PMGKVK) scheme: To stabilise and accelerate the growth of 511 skill centres, ensuring better outcomes for skilling and employment. Project Shakti with Aquity: This initiative successfully trained 1,500 women in Maharashtra and Karnataka, enabling them with leadership skills and fostering micro-entrepreneurship. Recognition for CSR Excellence: At the SMX CSR Leadership Summit & Awards 3.0 on February 15, 2024, The Art of Living and Schneider Electric India Foundation received the Best CSR Impact Award for Solar Electrification, highlighting their shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions. About The Art of Living Social Projects The Art of Living Social Projects has resolved to create positive societal impact through transformative initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation strives to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities alike. Follow: Message: Photo: View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
