Chicago: The Art of Living Foundation, Chicago organized a High-Profile Curtain Raiser for the World Cultural Festival on Saturday, February 6, 2016, from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, at Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove, 121 Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007.

The purpose of the event was to commemorate the momentous event of the Art of Living Foundation that will take place in New Delhi, India on the 11th, 12th and 13th of March 2016, which will be hosting a staggering 3.5 million people, including dignitaries and heads of governments from around the world.

O P Meena, Consul at the Consulate General of India, in his Keynote Address, paid rich tributes to the endeavors of the Art of Living Foundation to peace and harmony not only in India but also the length and breadth of 152 countries. He added that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has brought laurels to India through his humanitarian services, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion. â€œThanks to the contribution of people like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, India is fast emerging as the hub of spirituality for the rest of the worldâ€, he added.

Raja Krishanmurthy, Candidate for Illinois 8th District, said that the positive work ethics, spirited values, vibrant culture, and inspiring traditions of India have become beacons of light for people from across the globe. While congratulating the Indian-American for contributing to the upward trajectory of the economy of the US, he called for their vote and voluntary services for his victory in the election. The entire audience enthusiastically pledged their unconditional support to his candidacy.

A number of religious scholars, who spoke on the occasion, said that while the rituals may vary from religion to religion, their core content remains the same. They urged people to focus on the core content, rather the rituals, of the religions.

Rohit Joshi, a Hindu Scholar said that the ultimate goal of people is to attain peace. â€œOne can succeed in this mission only when he makes five commitments to himself to the effect that he will give up anger, be honest in his dealings, avoid doing things that invite worries, be helpful to all living beings, and nurture true friendshipâ€, he stated emphatically. â€œOnly those persons who attain peace alone can give it to others and contribute to a peaceful societyâ€, he added.

Minhaj Akhtar, a Muslim Scholar, said that Si Sri Ravi Shankar is Indiaâ€™s Humanitarian Ambassador for the rest of the world. â€œAs on today, his work covers 152 countries. We extend our humble might to enable him to include the remaining countries in his social service agenda.

Brett Cohen, Jewish Scholar said the Indian and Jewish people, with their thousands of years old civilization, have a lot in common, can learn a lot from each otherâ€™s experience, and thereby contribute to building a peaceful world. â€œEducation is the super highway to peace, and India and Israel, with their rich educational infrastructure, can contribute to creating a literate, educated, and peaceful worldâ€, he added.

Bridgette Kelling, a Bahai, who spoke on the occasion, said that such values as service to society, building a peaceful world, and mutual coexistence are common across all the world religions. They called for concerted efforts to celebrate them on a much bigger scale.

Earlier, Vinesh Virani, Program Director, welcomed the gathering. He said that the Art of Living Foundation, established by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar 35 years ago, is actively involved in diverse humanitarian and service activities. â€œTrue to our motto of a â€˜One World Familyâ€™, the ensuing World Cultural Festival will be showcasing the cultural diversity of our own community to emphasize its importance on a local and global levelâ€, he added.

The electrifying dancing and singing performances were the highlights of the event. A number of trained dancers, including Ritanya Subramanian, Anagha Shreesha, Hema Mohan, Anuha Jalasutaram, Praneetha Popuri, Amritha Johar, Sana Kapasi, Sarayu Alluril, Harshita Varanasi, Anaya Tak, Sriesakthi Gowrisankar, Mrunal Shah, Priya Baxi, Suhani Bhungalia, Anisha Chaudhari, Akshita Cheruku, Peony Moradia, Unnati Patel, Sachi Shukla, Heena Shyamani, and Neha Shyamani presented different forms of classical dance performances. Akshaya Potluri, Sai Rishika Pula, Naga Trisha, and Ajanta Saraswathi presented semi-classical dance performances.

The dancers, who belonged to such renowned dance schools as Noopura Dance Academy, Nrutya Kalashree Dance Academy, Indian Dance School, Jati Dance Academy, etc. not only showcased their ability to perform different genres of dances but also conveyed a gamut of emotions. Their sculpted postures, graceful moves, and incredible \"abhinaya\" captured everyone\'s heart.

Sandeep Kurapati and Nipa Shah rendered a number of hit Bollywood numbers, including â€œBad Tameez Dil, Bad Tameez Dil, Maane Na, Maane Naâ€, â€œHal Ghadi Badal Rahi Hai Roop Zindagiâ€, etc., and made the evening an occasion to remember. The melodious songs not only uplifted the mood of the audience but also ignited the air with the magic of romance. A number of attendees, irrespective of gender and age, gave in to the festive mood, took to the stage, and danced energetically. DJ Nilesh added great value to the music and dance segment.

â€œWhat a beautiful performance by all the dancers and singers. It touched souls of the audience, regardless of their language, nativity, and region. This is what music is all aboutâ€, felt the audience strongly.

There was a segment for guided meditation; all the attendees not only participated in it with enthusiasm but also enjoyed it thoroughly. â€œThe meditation proved to be a bonus for us; we will start practicing it as a part of our life styleâ€, said a large number of the attendees unanimously.

A large number of people from different walks of life, including such dignitaries as Mafat Patel, Founder of Patel Brothers, Nakul Chand, Manager, Air India Midwest, Jasbir Suga from Suga Builders, Bhavna Modi from Manpasand inc., Bina Patel, Associate County Clark, Dr Sheth, President VHPA, etc., attended the event.

Shalini Parikh and Kevin Sanyasi, who were the MCs, conducted the proceedings of the event as great professionals. Both of them, who kept referring to the quotations of renowned world leaders, at different stages of their anchoring, added an intellectual touch to the event.

The event concluded with a sumptuous dinner which was relished by one and all.

Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA

Curtain Raiser for the World Cultural Festival by Art of Living