Shimla: Renowned Spiritual guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar-led The Art of Living (AoL) organization has partnered with Himachal Pradesh Government to launch anti-drug campaigns in the state.
The AoL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government in Shimla in presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Chif Minister had met the spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Palampur in recent month. AOL has good following in Himachal Pradesh, with its volunteers engaging with AoL yoga sessions, cleanliness campaigns and other community projects.
The MoU was signed by C. Palrasu, Secretary of Administrative Reforms and Air Marshal (Retd) V.P.S. Rana on behalf of AoL.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this joint effort, led by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, would significantly contribute to raising awareness and combatting the drug menace.
Sukhu said AoL would wholeheartedly support the state government in eradicating drugs, sharing the associated expenses.
Chief Minister mentioned that the collaboration between the government and the NGO would extend beyond the anti-drug campaign.
AoL would also assist in various other areas crucial to the state's development, including sustainable environmental protection, community livelihood models, community-based tourism, herbal wellness, community forest management, modern education, skill development, and youth empowerment.
Air Marshal (Retd) V.P.S. Rana, the Chief Advisor and Trustee of the Himalayan Unnati Mission, praised the efforts of the state government for providing AoL with the opportunity to contribute to the sustainable development of remote areas in Himachal Pradesh.
Notable attendees at the ceremony included Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation R.S. Bali, and various MLAs and representatives from both AoL and the government.
