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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the Art of Living Center in Washington, DC, on August 19, where he met with members of the organization’s community.
Patel is leading a high-level delegation on a visit to the United States to promote the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027.
During his visit to the center, Patel commended the Art of Living’s efforts to introduce India’s traditions of “breathwork, meditation and yoga” to communities across the United States, according to a statement. He also recognized the organization’s work to promote “mental wellbeing and resilience” among young people.
For nearly 45 years, the Art of Living has worked across the United States toward its vision of a “stress-free, violence-free society,” fostering human connection and the spirit of “One World Family.”
The organization’s initiatives include the World Culture Festival, held on the National Mall in Washington, DC, in September 2023. According to the statement, the event brought together 1.1 million people, with participants representing more than 180 countries. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was among the global leaders who attended.
Patel’s visit also comes amid growing scientific interest in traditional Indian wellness practices. The statement cited a new UCLA study that found teenage girls who had experienced the highest levels of childhood adversity showed the greatest gains in social connectedness after participating in the SKY Schools program. The initiative combines social-emotional learning with SKY Breath Meditation, also known as Sudarshan Kriya.
“The findings are particularly significant because the greatest improvements were seen among adolescents who had experienced the highest levels of adversity, a group that often faces some of the greatest barriers to accessing mental health support,” the statement said.
“It was an honor to host Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel at the Art of Living Center. We wish him continued success in his efforts to serve the people of Gujarat and advance the state’s vision of a healthier and more resilient society,” said Bhushan Deodhar of the Office of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and director of the Art of Living Center in Washington, DC.
According to the statement, the interaction highlighted the expanding connection between India’s traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific research in the United States. Practices rooted in India’s yoga traditions are increasingly being studied at American academic institutions and introduced in schools and communities as tools to address stress, emotional well-being and social connection.
Patel’s visit comes as India and the United States continue to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties. Yoga, breathwork, meditation and India’s broader knowledge traditions have emerged as areas of engagement between the two countries.
The 2023 World Culture Festival demonstrated that connection by bringing Indian-origin practices and messages centered on human values to the US capital. Patel’s visit drew further attention to these traditions and their potential relevance to contemporary challenges.
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