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HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the Art of
3Living in India in 1981, bringing the organization's program
4to Illinois in 1990; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Since that time, Art of Living programs for the
6general public have been taught throughout the State of
7Illinois to increase mental health with practical tools, to
8manage the mind and negative emotions, and to live in
9happiness among the general public; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a global
11ambassador for peace amidst conflict and violence; his work
12includes helping negotiate a peaceful resolution between the
13Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of
14Colombia (FARC) as well as in Ayodhya, India, Sri Lanka, and
15other locations; and
 
16    WHEREAS, In Chicago, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar started
17programs for inner city youth, administrators, teachers, and
18staff that were introduced through the YES! For Schools and
19the SKY Schools programs at 13 Chicago Public Schools and
20several suburban schools in 2004; these programs were
21implemented to reduce violence, increase attendance and
22scholastic achievement, increase student and staff mental

 

 

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1health, reduce burnout, and increase student feelings of hope
2for their future as adults; and
 
3    WHEREAS, The Art of Living Foundation serves society by
4strengthening the individual, as the very intention of
5standing up for peace helps direct one's energy toward actions
6that will bring peace; and
 
7    WHEREAS, The I Stand for Peace campaign was launched on
8April 20, 2022 to promote change and strengthen people's
9commitment to peace; since then, over 1,000,000 people have
10taken the pledge to stand for peace; and
 
11    WHEREAS, The I Stand for Peace Summit has been held in 15
12cities in Europe and North America to provide a sense of hope
13and relief for those affected by violence, the pandemic, and
14other challenges; and
 
15    WHEREAS, The Chicago I Stand for Peace Summit (the Summit)
16took place on June 26, 2022; it featured distinguished
17speakers and elected leaders to highlight ways to bring into
18being peace, harmony, and unity during a time of social
19unrest; and
 
20    WHEREAS, During the Summit, attendees worked to address
21the root causes of violence in Chicago and offer practical

 

 

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1solutions in addition to addressing the looming mental health
2crisis affecting our society; the event reminded attendees
3about the importance of peace and of providing opportunities
4for all; and
 
5    WHEREAS, The Day of Peace represents an annual commitment
6to peace, prosperity, and the Gandhian principle of
7non-violence; this day recognizes that the movement towards
8peace requires an ongoing reaffirmation and commitment to the
9improved lives of Illinois residents; therefore, be it
 
10    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
11HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
12we declare May 13, 2022, the birthdate of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi
13Shankar, as the Day of Peace in the State of Illinois.