Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that meditation and mindfulness were “extremely valuable” for nation-building, asserting that a developed India would be built by “youngsters who are mentally calm, socially responsible, and sensitive towards society”.He was addressing devotees at the 45th anniversary of The Art of Living Foundation after inaugurating the Dhyan Mandir on the organisation’s Kanakapura Road campus.The PM said the nation’s future depended on a generation that could look inward as much as outward. “Today’s youngsters, through technology, are connected with each other. The building of a Viksit Bharat will be led by youngsters who are mentally calm, socially responsible, and sensitive towards society. This is why meditation and mindfulness are extremely valuable. It strengthens the sense of collective responsibility. Such initiatives also give people the opportunity to know and understand themselves better,” he added.Referring to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Modi said public participation had transformed the cleanliness campaign beyond a govt programme. “Our Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is not merely a govt programme — it has become a natural part of people’s lives. When society becomes active, the greatest challenges find collective solutions.”On Bengaluru, he said the city, while globally recognised for software and services, also remained deeply rooted in India’s cultural traditions and values.He urged the organisation to help connect farmers with natural farming practices. “Today, even in matters of health, people are turning towards the natural. Saving our land from chemicals is also a duty,” Modi said.He called for greater awareness on water conservation. “Through various platforms, farmers should be guided on better water management. Saving every drop is essential. This is the right time, as the monsoon approaches, to create widespread awareness about water conservation.”The PM also appealed to people to save electricity, avoid single-use plastic, and promote local products. He said the country was focusing on Mission LiFE, a movement encouraging environmentally responsible lifestyles.Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar recalled the early years of the organisation and said its foundation reflected diverse viewpoints coming together. He noted that former Chief Justice of India Justice PN Bhagwati and Justice VR Krishna Iyer were among the first trustees of the organisation. “Despite many challenges, this institution kept moving forward,” he said.
