More than 12.1 million people from over 150 countries virtually participated in what organisers described as the largest collective meditation in history, led by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on World Meditation Day.Formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, World Meditation Day aims to highlight the role of meditation in promoting mental well-being and social harmony. Vikrant Massey to play Sri Sri Ravi Shankar This year’s global observance was anchored at the UN Trusteeship Council in New York, where diplomats and senior UN officials joined the live session led by the spiritual leader. Millions of others participated in simultaneous sessions held across continents, including in cities, villages, schools, workplaces, and prisons.Participants from more than 60 countries joined the collective practice.Coinciding with the event, a new global study on meditation and wellbeing was announced. The Art of Living and Gallup partnered to incorporate meditation-related questions into the Gallup World Poll, aiming to generate comparative and data-driven insights into the links between meditation, emotional health, life satisfaction, and social well-being worldwide.According to Gallup’s recent findings, levels of stress and worry remain high across populations, underlining the need for scalable mental health approaches. The global results of the study are expected in December 2026 and may inform public policy, education, and workplace wellbeing initiatives.At the UN event, India’s cultural and spiritual traditions were highlighted as central to the observance, positioning meditation as a practical, evidence-based approach to address anxiety, burnout, and social stress.Delivering the keynote address, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, “Meditation is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” a sentiment that resonated across diplomatic and community platforms worldwide.Earlier, on Friday, permanent representatives from India, Sri Lanka, Andorra, Mexico, and Nepal, along with other member states and UN agencies, gathered at the United Nations to mark World Meditation Day. The event included discussions on the relevance of meditation in addressing global mental health and social challenges, followed by the spiritual leader’s guided session at the UN.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPutin Says India Ready To Boost Work On EAEU Trade Agreement, Hails Indian EconomySheikh Hasina Slams Yunus Over Violence In Bangladesh, Calls Out ‘Hostile Statements Against India’BJP-Led Mahayuti Sweeps Maharashtra Local Body Polls; PM Modi, CM Fadnavis Hail Victory’Murder Of Humanity’: Dr Ahmed Ilyasi, Maulana Madani Condemn Lynching Of Hindu Man In BangladeshSikh Nagar Kirtan In New Zealand Disrupted By Protesters; Mann, Badal Urge Centre To Intervene‘Not Misleading Propaganda’: Bangladesh Responds To India Over Delhi High Commission Protest‘Have To Stay United’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat On Atrocities Against Hindus In BangladeshIndia Rejects Dhaka Media Reports On Protest Outside Bangladesh HC, Flags Attack Against MinoritiesViewing ‘Sangh’ Through the Lens of the BJP Is a Huge Mistake, Says RSS Chief Mohan BhagwatBangladesh Arrests 10 After Brutal Killing of Hindu Youth in Mymensingh123PhotostoriesNewlywed Samantha Ruth Prabhu turns a silk saree into a style momentBaby girl names with deep spiritual meaning5 Sanskrit mantras that kids should recite every day10 inexpensive ways to add more fibre to your daily diet and reduce gas and bloating naturallyHealth benefits of makhana: Evidence-based nutrition from lotus seedsThe British Royal Family’s annual Christmas portraits are here—and yes, we’re officially emotionally invested5 best oils to apply on the navel: Benefits, uses, and what to know before trying them7 indoor exercises that can strengthen muscles in people above 405 essential tips to stay healthy if you work night shifts5 things one must always donate in temples and why123Hot PicksUAE WeatherEpstein files releasedTim SaunderGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJosh Allen Luxury Car CollectionRandi MahomesAuston MatthewsPatrick MahomesLebron JamesLos Angeles DodgersPaul Heyman and Marla Heyman Net WorthWho is chris oladokunA JA WilsonCharles Barkley
More than 12.1 million people from over 150 countries virtually participated in what organisers described as the largest collective meditation in history, led by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on World Meditation Day.Formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, World Meditation Day aims to highlight the role of meditation in promoting mental well-being and social harmony.
This year’s global observance was anchored at the UN Trusteeship Council in New York, where diplomats and senior UN officials joined the live session led by the spiritual leader. Millions of others participated in simultaneous sessions held across continents, including in cities, villages, schools, workplaces, and prisons.Participants from more than 60 countries joined the collective practice.Coinciding with the event, a new global study on meditation and wellbeing was announced. The Art of Living and Gallup partnered to incorporate meditation-related questions into the Gallup World Poll, aiming to generate comparative and data-driven insights into the links between meditation, emotional health, life satisfaction, and social well-being worldwide.According to Gallup’s recent findings, levels of stress and worry remain high across populations, underlining the need for scalable mental health approaches. The global results of the study are expected in December 2026 and may inform public policy, education, and workplace wellbeing initiatives.At the UN event, India’s cultural and spiritual traditions were highlighted as central to the observance, positioning meditation as a practical, evidence-based approach to address anxiety, burnout, and social stress.Delivering the keynote address, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, “Meditation is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” a sentiment that resonated across diplomatic and community platforms worldwide.Earlier, on Friday, permanent representatives from India, Sri Lanka, Andorra, Mexico, and Nepal, along with other member states and UN agencies, gathered at the United Nations to mark World Meditation Day. The event included discussions on the relevance of meditation in addressing global mental health and social challenges, followed by the spiritual leader’s guided session at the UN.
