Gurudev's Trip to South America Dec 2016 as shared

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's 3-week visit to South and Central America saw the launch of various service projects and agreements with governments to bring about a violence-free, stress-free world through  his teachings and techniques.

A few highlights  of Sri Sri's journey, from 29th November to
19th December, to a region known for violence, drugs, gang wars and
corruption.

** Gurudev met people from all walks of life, from heads of
governments and senators to prisoners, businessmen and academicians,
drug addicts and religious leaders in 13 cities of 8 Latin and south American countries.

** In Mexico, the governor of Guerrera, Héctor Astudillo appealed to
him to put an end to the war of the cartels that bloodshed his State. With an average of six killings per day, this strategic region of drug production and trafficking is the most violent in the country,
despite the presence of the army in the streets.

** The Governor of Guerrera conferred the Ambassador of Peace award on
Sri Sri and requested him to return and continue with the wonderful
work the Art of Living is doing in prisons, slums and deprived areas.

**Had the distinguished honor to open the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal

** Was honored as "Distinguished Guest" by Governor of Province of Panama

**Visited two of most dreaded prisons in Mexico where Art of Living Programs have brought down violence almost to zero.

** Signed an agreement with government in Mexico to continue the work of rehabilitating children from the slums and offering Art of Living programs in schools

** Met with the President of Brazil Michel Temer. Also met with Minister of Education and Minister of Health

** Awarded highest civilian award in Recife, Brazil

**Signed an important partnership with the government of Bahia, Brazil to bring The Art of Living's stress elimination Programs  to all the police force of Bahia: 32,000 people.

**Addressed a 'Voice for Peace' public conference in Salvador 5,000 people.

** In Costa Rica, signed an MOU with President Luis Guillermo Solis to
work for peace and non-violence in the country.

** Led a massive music and meditation event in Rio De Janerio attended by over 15000 people.

** Gave keynote address at Reconciliation Colombia at Cali (Colombia)
along with speakers like Nobel Peace laureate and Colombian President
Juan Manuel Santos, Met important stakeholders in the reconciliation
process such as former Colombian President and the leader of the
opposition, Alvaro Uribe, director of Colombian agency for
reintegration Joshua Mittroti and Colombian peace process mediator
Henry Acosta in his bid to take forward the peace process.

** Led a mass meditation program outside the Colombian parliament at
Bolivar Square, where the famous Latin American band Aterciapelodas
joined in chanting and meditations.