Spirituality Essential for Holistic Development: AP CM Naidu
Bengaluru, May 20 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said spirituality was essential for achieving holistic societal progress and stressed the need to balance technology-driven growth with human values, emotional wellbeing and inner peace.
Participating in the global celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of the Art of Living Foundation and the 70th birthday of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Art of Living International Center here, the Chief Minister said economic growth, infrastructure and technological advancement alone could not ensure sustainable development.
Describing Ravi Shankar as a “global humanitarian and messenger of peace,” Naidu said the spiritual leader had successfully carried India’s ancient wisdom and spiritual heritage across the world while making it relevant to modern society.
The Chief Minister said that in an era increasingly shaped by technology and Artificial Intelligence, spirituality had become a necessity rather than a luxury.
“The world has more information than ever before, but less peace; more connectivity, but less human connection,” he observed, adding that while technology could improve lives, spirituality alone could create balance and inner harmony.
Speaking about Andhra Pradesh’s long-term development vision, Naidu said the State was simultaneously building world-class infrastructure, strengthening technology ecosystems and promoting spirituality, wellness and happiness.
He said he wanted Andhra Pradesh to emerge not only as an IT destination but also as a centre for peace, spirituality and wellness.
The Chief Minister linked the vision of “Swarna Andhra @ 2047” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat” mission and called upon citizens to embrace the principle of “My Nation, My Responsibility.”
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s spiritual heritage, Naidu referred to Tirupati as the abode of the “living God of Kaliyuga” and said the State government was taking steps to strengthen spiritual tourism, yoga, Ayurveda and wellness ecosystems.
Recalling his nearly three-decade association with Ravi Shankar, the Chief Minister said ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior officials had earlier participated in Art of Living programmes and leadership sessions that contributed positively to stress management, emotional balance and governance practices.
He also praised the humanitarian work undertaken by the Art of Living Foundation in areas such as rural development, women empowerment, education, river rejuvenation and social wellbeing across the world.
During the event, Ravi Shankar praised Chandrababu Naidu for balancing development with spirituality and credited him for pioneering technology-driven reforms and youth empowerment initiatives that helped place Hyderabad prominently on the global map.
Several dignitaries, including Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha and other ministers from various states, participated in the celebrations.
The programme concluded with a meditation session led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in which the Chief Minister also participated.
TNT KM
