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Business Standard
2 days ago
- General
- Business Standard
The Art of Living's Powerful Water Warriors Are Rewriting India's Future
NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], August 12: India, the land where rivers once sang through the seasons, is now grappling with a hard truth: water scarcity is no longer a distant threat - it's here. From villages to districts, swathes of the country are grappling with dangerously low groundwater levels. Rivers that once flowed year round are reduced to trickles or memories. Floods and droughts now alternate like a grim cycle, damaging crops, displacing communities, and threatening food security. Even with the monsoons sweeping across the land, only 20% of our water needs are met by rainfall and surface water. The remaining 80% - for drinking, cooking, farming - comes from beneath our feet: groundwater. But for over two decades now, India's aquifers have been draining faster than they can refill. So where do we go from here? A Vision Rooted in Nature, Powered by People Under the guidance of spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects has stepped up with not just hope - but action. Action that is deeply rooted in ecology, powered by community, and backed by cutting-edge science. The organisation's mission is bold: to make India water-positive. And the results, even in just a few years, are nothing short of transformational. With 72 rivers/streams and tributaries rejuvenated and 1,05,050+ groundwater recharge structures built across 8 states - including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh - this is no small scale effort. It's a nationwide movement, and it's changing lives. What's the Secret? Tailored, Scalable, Local Solutions Every drop of water saved starts with understanding the land. That's why The Art of Living's Water Conservation team is made up of experts - retired ISRO scientists, hydrologists, geologists, civil engineers, and IT professionals - who have spent years studying the terrain. Using geo-informatics, GIS mapping, and remote sensing, they design region-specific models that treat both the area and the drainage lines. The strategy is simple yet powerful: slow down the rainwater, let it sink, not run away. Recharge structures like check dams, contour trenches, and recharge pits help retain water, increase soil moisture, prevent erosion, and refill aquifers naturally. The base flow of rivers is sustained, turning seasonal streams into perennial ones. And the impact? Across multiple states, groundwater levels have seen dramatic improvement. In Vellore, Tamil Nadu, for instance, the water table rose by 12 feet - verified by the state's Water Supply and Drainage Board. JalTara: A Game Changer in Farmers' Fields Perhaps the most groundbreaking initiative is JalTara, a flagship project of The Art of Living Social Projects. The idea is ingeniously simple: dig a small recharge pit at the lowest point of each farm plot and flank it with two fruit-bearing trees. This pit acts like a natural funnel - directing rainwater past the impermeable topsoil and deep into the aquifers. In just six months, JalTara can turn struggling farms into thriving fields. Sulabai Chavhal, a farmer from Jalna, Maharashtra, is just one among thousands of success stories. "Earlier, I barely harvested a single bag of grains," he says. "Now, my godown is full." Ramchandra Mandale, a farmer from Shirur, shares a similar transformation. He recalls that a population of 3,000 had to manage with only one barrel of water per week until The Art of Living Social Projects intervened. The stats also speak volumes: Water tables are up by 14 feet, crop yields up by 42%, waterlogging down by 100%, farmer income up by 120%, year-round employment up by 88%. With a 100% success rate, JalTara is now set to scale up to 5 lakh structures across 1 lakh villages in the next five years. Not Just Water, Hope is Flowing Back This isn't just about water. It's about restoring balance - to nature, to rural economies, to people's lives. When water returns, so does biodiversity, fertility, and livelihood. Farmers grow more. Women walk less. Children attend school. Communities thrive. Contributing significantly to this revival is The Art of Living's 4R approach - a holistic model addressing water challenges from every angle. 'Reduce' empowers youth through the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP), equipping them to raise awareness and inspire communities to reduce water waste through mindful usage. 'Reuse' taps into Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to treat wastewater for daily and agricultural needs. 'Recharge' uses terrain-sensitive water structures to replenish groundwater, while 'Recycle' employs natural methods like bioremediation and phytoremediation to restore polluted water bodies. Together, these four strategies form a replicable, scalable solution to India's water crisis. Achievements are current till August 2025, the count continues: 1,74,52+ Crores worth of water conserved 3,45,00,000+ People empowered 72 Rivers/streams and tributaries being rejuvenated across 8 States 1,05,050+ Recharge structures constructed 2,90,64,668+ Cubic metres desilted 7,00,000+ Trees planted along river basins in River Rejuvenation Projects As Dr. K. Satyagopal, former Chairman of Tamil Nadu Water Resources Corporation, puts it: "The Art of Living's ability to mobilise communities - especially women - has been the cornerstone of its success. It shows what can happen when the government and citizens work hand-in-hand." And that may be the most powerful takeaway: this isn't just one organisation doing good work. It's a blueprint - scalable, science-backed, and people-powered - for every village, district, and state. The results are already visible: as the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reports, several once "critical" regions now have "safe" water levels thanks to these interventions. Yet the journey is far from over. India's water future still hangs in the balance - but with committed action and community-led leadership, The Art of Living Social Projects has shown us not just what's possible, but what's already underway. The Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The organisation works closely with the Government of India and Corporate Entities to relieve the country from water scarcity through various water conservation projects. Follow:
News18
3 days ago
- General
- News18
The Art of Livings Powerful Water Warriors Are Rewriting Indias Future
NewsVoirBangalore (Karnataka) [India], August 12: India, the land where rivers once sang through the seasons, is now grappling with a hard truth: water scarcity is no longer a distant threat – it's here. From villages to districts, swathes of the country are grappling with dangerously low groundwater levels. Rivers that once flowed year round are reduced to trickles or memories. Floods and droughts now alternate like a grim cycle, damaging crops, displacing communities, and threatening food with the monsoons sweeping across the land, only 20% of our water needs are met by rainfall and surface water. The remaining 80% – for drinking, cooking, farming – comes from beneath our feet: groundwater. But for over two decades now, India's aquifers have been draining faster than they can where do we go from here?A Vision Rooted in Nature, Powered by PeopleUnder the guidance of spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects has stepped up with not just hope – but action. Action that is deeply rooted in ecology, powered by community, and backed by cutting-edge organisation's mission is bold: to make India water-positive. And the results, even in just a few years, are nothing short of 72 rivers/streams and tributaries rejuvenated and 1,05,050+ groundwater recharge structures built across 8 states – including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh – this is no small scale effort. It's a nationwide movement, and it's changing lives. What's the Secret? Tailored, Scalable, Local SolutionsEvery drop of water saved starts with understanding the land. That's why The Art of Living's Water Conservation team is made up of experts – retired ISRO scientists, hydrologists, geologists, civil engineers, and IT professionals – who have spent years studying the geo-informatics, GIS mapping, and remote sensing, they design region-specific models that treat both the area and the drainage lines. The strategy is simple yet powerful: slow down the rainwater, let it sink, not run structures like check dams, contour trenches, and recharge pits help retain water, increase soil moisture, prevent erosion, and refill aquifers naturally. The base flow of rivers is sustained, turning seasonal streams into perennial the impact? Across multiple states, groundwater levels have seen dramatic improvement. In Vellore, Tamil Nadu, for instance, the water table rose by 12 feet – verified by the state's Water Supply and Drainage Board. JalTara: A Game Changer in Farmers' FieldsPerhaps the most groundbreaking initiative is JalTara, a flagship project of The Art of Living Social Projects. The idea is ingeniously simple: dig a small recharge pit at the lowest point of each farm plot and flank it with two fruit-bearing pit acts like a natural funnel – directing rainwater past the impermeable topsoil and deep into the aquifers. In just six months, JalTara can turn struggling farms into thriving Chavhal, a farmer from Jalna, Maharashtra, is just one among thousands of success stories. 'Earlier, I barely harvested a single bag of grains," he says. 'Now, my godown is full." Ramchandra Mandale, a farmer from Shirur, shares a similar transformation. He recalls that a population of 3,000 had to manage with only one barrel of water per week until The Art of Living Social Projects stats also speak volumes: Water tables are up by 14 feet, crop yields up by 42%, waterlogging down by 100%, farmer income up by 120%, year-round employment up by 88%. With a 100% success rate, JalTara is now set to scale up to 5 lakh structures across 1 lakh villages in the next five Just Water, Hope is Flowing BackThis isn't just about water. It's about restoring balance – to nature, to rural economies, to people's lives. When water returns, so does biodiversity, fertility, and livelihood. Farmers grow more. Women walk less. Children attend school. Communities significantly to this revival is The Art of Living's 4R approach – a holistic model addressing water challenges from every angle. 'Reduce' empowers youth through the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP), equipping them to raise awareness and inspire communities to reduce water waste through mindful usage. 'Reuse' taps into Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to treat wastewater for daily and agricultural needs. 'Recharge' uses terrain-sensitive water structures to replenish groundwater, while 'Recycle' employs natural methods like bioremediation and phytoremediation to restore polluted water bodies. Together, these four strategies form a replicable, scalable solution to India's water are current till August 2025, the count continues:1,74,52+ Crores worth of water conserved3,45,00,000+ People empowered72 Rivers/streams and tributaries being rejuvenated across 8 States 1,05,050+ Recharge structures constructed 2,90,64,668+ Cubic metres desilted 7,00,000+ Trees planted along river basins in River Rejuvenation ProjectsAs Dr. K. Satyagopal, former Chairman of Tamil Nadu Water Resources Corporation, puts it: 'The Art of Living's ability to mobilise communities – especially women – has been the cornerstone of its success. It shows what can happen when the government and citizens work hand-in-hand."And that may be the most powerful takeaway: this isn't just one organisation doing good work. It's a blueprint – scalable, science-backed, and people-powered – for every village, district, and state. The results are already visible: as the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reports, several once 'critical" regions now have 'safe" water levels thanks to these interventions. Yet the journey is far from over. India's water future still hangs in the balance – but with committed action and community-led leadership, The Art of Living Social Projects has shown us not just what's possible, but what's already Art of Living, a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organisation founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The organisation works closely with the Government of India and Corporate Entities to relieve the country from water scarcity through various water conservation projects. Follow: Like: Post: Message: (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Business Standard
31-07-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Latur: A Decade of Tremendous Revival by The Art of Living
PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 31: Since 2013, the drought-prone region of Latur in Maharashtra has witnessed a remarkable transformation. Inspired by world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and with Shri Gomare Mahadev at the helm, The Art of Living Social Projects launched a river rejuvenation initiative that has since grown into a far-reaching ecological mission - uniting water conservation, plantation drives, natural farming, and climate-resilient fodder cultivation. As part of this continuing effort, and in addition to the 5 lakh trees already planted, plans are afoot to plant another 2 lakh saplings. From Rivers to Roots: Expanding the Rejuvenation Mission The river rejuvenation efforts began with the goal of reviving dying water bodies across Latur. But as volunteers and experts worked on the ground, it became clear that merely reviving rivers was not enough. Long-term sustainability would require restoring the land's biodiversity and empowering local communities, particularly farmers. Thus, plantation and natural farming were integrated into the project. Since then, over 5 lakh saplings - including native, medicinal, herbal, and flowering species - have been planted to restore the biodiversity of the region. These efforts not only reduced soil erosion but also helped increase farmer incomes by providing horticulture plants such as custard apple, guava mango, and sweet lime. Fodder Cultivation: A Climate-Resilient Solution Recognising the growing threat of climate change - especially to livestock and dairy productivity - the team has now taken up fodder cultivation on 200 acres of land as part of a climate adaptation strategy. Out of the planned 2 lakh saplings, 1 lakh will be dedicated to fodder species, and 1 lakh to wild and horticultural species. What makes this approach so important is its focus on animal well-being and nutrition. As noted by the team, cows instinctively know what to eat when they are unwell or nutrient-deficient. However, when confined or deprived of natural grazing options, their health deteriorates - affecting not just milk yield but also the vitality of future generations. The project ensures that irrigation, soil conservation, water conservation, and proper fencing are in place to support the saplings through the critical early years. These steps are vital for ensuring high survival rates and long-term ecological balance. Nature's Intelligence: Birds, Bees, and Biodiversity The plantation strategy goes beyond human input, relying on nature's own intelligence to sustain biodiversity. Flowering plants are included specifically to attract birds, bees, and pollinators, helping natural regeneration. When birds eat the fruits, the seeds that pass through their systems tend to sprout better, thanks to enzymatic treatment in the gut. The Art of Living Social Projects harnesses this natural process, allowing barren lands to become fertile over time without human interference. In some cases, thriving jungles emerged in as little as seven years, driven solely by birds and animals. To support this biodiversity, small ponds are also created across plantation sites, ensuring water availability for 9 to 10 months annually. These water bodies invite animals like birds and rodents, whose droppings are processed by microbes to create Jivamrut, a powerful bio-fertiliser that enhances soil fertility and microbial activity. This aligns with traditional Vedic farming practices, where Jivamrut is seen as a living elixir for the earth. Exceptional Results and Collaborative Models The Art of Living Social Projects' plantation model boasts a 100% plant survival rate - a remarkable feat compared to the government benchmark of 60%. This success has laid the foundation for deeper collaborations and expanded ecological efforts. Two major projects are currently underway: Fodder Growth for Climate Change Project 1. Partners: Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI), Atlas Copco, and Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries University, Nagpur 2. Status: MoU signed in 2024 3. Goal: 2 lakh saplings over 3 years 4. Focus: Fodder and wild species plantation to mitigate climate impacts on livestock Ecological Restoration with SBI and Forest Department 1. Partners: State Bank of India, VVKI, and Maharashtra Forest Department 2. Status: MoU signed in 2024 3. Current Phase: Plantation in progress following 6 months of meticulous site preparation including land surveys, water retention treatments, and removal of invasive species. Community Mobilisation and Model Plantations On World Environment Day (5 June 2025), The Art of Living Social Projects organised a plantation drive at Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) Pune where 2,000 saplings were planted. This initiative is part of a larger plan to develop model plantations in Vidarbha and Pune Additionally, the Pune Ashram is nurturing a model farm cultivating avocado, mango, and guava through sustainable practices under the YLTP (Youth Leadership Training Program). These models not only demonstrate best practices but also offer scalable templates for rural development and environmental protection. A Template for Regenerative Development What began as a river revival campaign in Latur has grown into a holistic environmental mission, balancing the needs of nature, animals, and local livelihoods. AoL's innovative use of traditional knowledge, scientific collaboration, and community involvement is restoring degraded lands, boosting rural incomes, and building resilience against climate change. As trees take root and birds return, cows thrive and communities come together - this flourishing landscape offers a new vision for rural India: one rooted in regeneration, respect, and reverence for nature. Media contact: Manish Singh marketing@ +91-9820671217 About The Art of Living Social Projects The Art of Living Social Projects is committed to creating lasting societal impact through transformative initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation continues to uplift individuals and communities - earning recognition and accolades along the way. Follow: Like: Post: Message:
The Wire
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Wire
From Remote Borders to National Spotlight: North-East Youth Dazzle at Buddhist Cultural Festival
BENGALURU, India, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspired by the vision of global humanitarian and revered spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - of a connected, compassionate, and culturally vibrant India - The Art of Living Social Projects has been working with youth from India's remote border regions. This vision found expression at the North-East Buddhist Cultural Festival in Kolkata. Held at the Alka Jalan Foundation Campus, the North-East Buddhist Cultural Festival brought to life the dreams, discipline, and deep-rooted culture of Buddhist youth from the Sino-border regions of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and other North-Eastern states. Under The Art of Living's 'Har Ghar Agniveer' initiative, these first-generation learners have spent two years immersed in a transformative journey - blending the power of yoga with the grace of classical Kathak dance. Along the way, they've built not just artistic skill, but also cognitive clarity, emotional resilience, and a lasting connection to India's rich cultural heritage. The festival itself was a culmination of this journey. Participants from various Art of Living training camps across the border regions took the stage to present their talent before an audience that included representatives from the Armed Forces, international dignitaries, and civil society leaders. The objective was clear: to mobilise greater recognition and support for this initiative so it can scale nationally and reach even more youth in India's borderlands. This cultural initiative is also a powerful contribution to Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and 'Vibrant Border Villages' vision, which seeks to bridge India's cultural heart with its geographical peripheries. The event was made possible through the generous support of Anamika Kala Sangam, with IHA Foundation and Alka Jalan Foundation as key partners for the venue and logistics. With continued backing, this initiative holds the potential to grow into a nationwide movement - offering these talented students a platform beyond the margins, and a rightful place in India's cultural mainstream. About The Art of Living Social Projects The Art of Living Social Projects is committed to creating lasting societal impact through transformative initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation continues to uplift individuals and communities - earning recognition and accolades along the way. Follow: Like: Post: Message: Photo: Logo: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
From Remote Borders to National Spotlight: North-East Youth Dazzle at Buddhist Cultural Festival
PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 26: Inspired by the vision of global humanitarian and revered spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - of a connected, compassionate, and culturally vibrant India - The Art of Living Social Projects has been working with youth from India's remote border regions. This vision found expression at the North-East Buddhist Cultural Festival in Kolkata. Held at the Alka Jalan Foundation Campus, the North-East Buddhist Cultural Festival brought to life the dreams, discipline, and deep-rooted culture of Buddhist youth from the Sino-border regions of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and other North-Eastern states. Under The Art of Living's 'Har Ghar Agniveer' initiative, these first-generation learners have spent two years immersed in a transformative journey - blending the power of yoga with the grace of classical Kathak dance. Along the way, they've built not just artistic skill, but also cognitive clarity, emotional resilience, and a lasting connection to India's rich cultural heritage. The festival itself was a culmination of this journey. Participants from various Art of Living training camps across the border regions took the stage to present their talent before an audience that included representatives from the Armed Forces, international dignitaries, and civil society leaders. The objective was clear: to mobilise greater recognition and support for this initiative so it can scale nationally and reach even more youth in India's borderlands. This cultural initiative is also a powerful contribution to Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and 'Vibrant Border Villages' vision, which seeks to bridge India's cultural heart with its geographical peripheries. The event was made possible through the generous support of Anamika Kala Sangam, with IHA Foundation and Alka Jalan Foundation as key partners for the venue and logistics. With continued backing, this initiative holds the potential to grow into a nationwide movement - offering these talented students a platform beyond the margins, and a rightful place in India's cultural mainstream. About The Art of Living Social Projects The Art of Living Social Projects is committed to creating lasting societal impact through transformative initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation continues to uplift individuals and communities - earning recognition and accolades along the way.
