The Art of Living Founder will conduct a yoga and meditation session on July 5, 2018.
The Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin on Wednesday announced that the 2018 AAPI Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly in Columbus, Ohio, will have a yoga and meditation session with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on July 5, 2018.
“We are so fortunate to have Sri Sri, who travels the world sharing wisdom and insights on a number of timely and important topics, and is a world –renowned author of books that teach and inspire, has agreed to grace us with his presence and enlighten us all with his wisdom. His talks motivate and encourage, offer comfort and reassurance, and provide insights for daily living,” Dr. Gautam Samadder, president of AAPI, said.
More than 2,000 people are expected to participate in the five-day convention, which will be held from July 4 to 8.
Besides the Art of Living founder, a number of dignitaries will attend the convention, including US Ambassador to the UN Nikky Haley and Indian Ambassador to the United States Navtej Sarna.
Also Read: Meditation can help in overcoming polarization, says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
The convention will be organized by the Ohio Chapter of AAPI, under the stewardship of Convention Chair Dr. John A. Johnson.
“AAPI pageant is more than just a title, it’s a movement for empowering women from all walks of life to achieve their dreams,” said Johnson. “This pageant promotes self-confidence, leadership, poise and public speaking skills as well as the strong presence of beautiful women in our community!”
Dr. Naresh Parikh, President-Elect of AAPI, who was present at the 33rd edition of AAPI’s convention in Florida in 2015, recalled how the delegates of AAPI were led to meditate after an inspiring address on yoga and health by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. “The unique event served as a platform for the AAPI members to discuss the importance of meditation in resolving the nation’s pressing health concerns and how ayurveda, yoga, and meditations, the ancient traditions of India offer solutions to the most pressing health problems of the world.”
“The secret of meditation is in letting go,” Sri Sri told the gathering at Orlando, which included AAPI members and their families. “Stress arises when we have too much to do, and not enough energy or time to do it. We can neither change time nor the number of things we need to do. So, the only option is to increase energy levels. And this can be accomplished through yoga, breathing techniques and meditation.”
A happy mind lets you stay calm; make better decisions and improve the overall quality of life, he told the Doctors, acknowledging that they lead a stressful life. “You live on average ten years less than the patients you treat,” as a consequence of the stressful life you lead, he said.
Also Read: Teach kids the importance of non-violence: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Dr. Ashok Jain, Chair of the Board of Trustees of AAPI, highlighted the importance of ancient Indian traditions and how they sow the way to a healthier life in modern world. “The presence of Sri Sri in our midst will not only enlighten us, but will enforce in each of us the important contributions of ancient India to the world, especially in the world of medicine,” he said.
According to AAPI, the convention offers a platform to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin. Physicians and healthcare professionals will also participate in exchange of medical advances, develop health policy agendas, and discuss legislative priorities in the coming year.