Historic Meeting in Srinagar: Spiritual Leaders Discuss Peace
In a significant development that has captured attention across India, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar met with Hurriyat leader and Kashmir Valley's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Srinagar on Thursday, November 13, 2025. This marked Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's first visit to Kashmir in seven years, making the occasion particularly noteworthy for peace advocates in the region.
Key Discussions and Agreements
The meeting took place at the Mirwaiz's residence in the Nigeen area of Srinagar, where both leaders engaged in extensive discussions focused on peace, compassion, and inter-faith harmony. According to an official statement released after the meeting, both spiritual figures reached several important agreements that could shape future peace initiatives in the region.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar expressed genuine happiness at returning to the Valley after his seven-year absence, warmly praising Kashmir's rich spiritual and cultural heritage as a powerful symbol of coexistence that has stood the test of time. The founder of the Art of Living Foundation acknowledged the region's historical significance as a center of spiritual learning and cultural exchange.
During their dialogue, both leaders strongly emphasized that sustained dialogue and mutual understanding remain essential tools for promoting lasting peace and protecting human dignity in the region. They jointly recognized that injustice and disempowerment often lead to radicalization, which ultimately threatens the peace and stability that communities desperately seek.
Commitment to Peaceful Resolution
The statement highlighted that the institution of the Mirwaiz maintains its strong commitment to peace and dialogue as the most humane and effective means for addressing complex issues and resolving differences. This commitment aligns with broader efforts to find peaceful solutions to the challenges facing the region.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq specifically appreciated Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's anti-drug outreach programs in the Kashmir Valley, recognizing the importance of such initiatives in addressing social issues that affect youth and communities. This acknowledgment underscores the multifaceted approach needed to build sustainable peace, addressing not just political concerns but also social challenges that impact daily life.
The meeting between these influential spiritual leaders represents another important step in ongoing efforts to build bridges and foster understanding in the region. Their shared emphasis on dialogue and mutual respect provides a framework that could guide future peace-building initiatives, offering hope for continued progress toward stability and harmony in Kashmir.
