According to a release, thousands of people eagerly awaited the historic visit of world humanitarian and spiritual master Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who arrived in the Valley after seven years with a calming message of peace, communal harmony, and a vision of a stress-free, violence-free, and drug-free Kashmir. Gurudev was greeted by Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary for Jammu & Kashmir. Over 20,000 students from 50 colleges and four universities came to Bakshi Stadium for a special EduYouth Meet in Gurudev’s presence, pledging together to create a Drug-Free Kashmir. This event was organized by the Department of Higher Education, Government of J&K, as drug abuse emerged as one of the most pressing issues facing Kashmir’s youth.
“We will see that Kashmir is free from drugs,” Gurudev said, addressing the students, staff, and prominent educators. A society free from violence, a body free from illness, a mind free from confusion, an intellect free from inhibition, and a soul free from grief have all always been my dreams. This is everyone’s birthright. Everyone should have a smile on their faces that no one can take away from them. This is an indication of schooling. Gurudev stated, “The secret is in their own breath,” offering a powerful remedy for the drug problem.
One can easily overcome drug addiction by using their own breathing techniques, meditation, and certain exercises. “Kashmir has a long history of meditation,” he stated. It is Kashmir’s cultural legacy. It has nothing to do with religion; this land brought meditation to the world. The mind is content and the intellect is sharp when one meditates. Gurudev said, “Hain ek noor usi noor ke hain hum sab,” evoking a sense of unity and belonging. To koi paraya nahi lagta, we noor se jud gaye. Lagte hain sab apne. Isi ko hum kehte hai jivan jine ki kala.”
