Sangeeta Jani has been a disciple of Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for over twelve years. A lead teacher in the program, she came to New England to teach “DSN” or Divya Samaj Nirman course which is a very high level Art of Living course. With a mission to transform the world under the guidance of her Guru, this remarkable woman has been working untiringly to bring joy and happiness to many lives and inspiring them to transform the society around them.

Lokvani: How did you get involved with this movement?

Sangeeta: Since my childhood I was always drawn to spirituality. Even as a child I used to wonder what the world was all about. I was constantly searching for the purpose of my life and when I met Guruji, my search ended. I found my mission.

Lokvani: What is that mission?

Sangeeta: To bring about social transformation, where poverty, misery and disease are eradicated, and where peace and harmony prevail throughout the world.

Lokvani: That is a great almost seemingly impossible mission. How do you hope to achieve that?

Sangeeta: The inspirational programs designed by Guruji will make this happen.

Lokvani: Could you describe the programs a little and how these can help achieve such a big goal?

Sangeeta: It is called the 5H program. The goal of the 5H program is to uplift individuals and communities so that they become self-reliant: socially & economically. The 5H program delivers a wide array of humanitarian service projects in over 140 countries around the world. Our most recent work is in Bagdad, Iraq.

The five main areas of focus are Health, Hygiene, Homes, Human Values and Harmony in Diversity. The 5H program adopts a holistic approach to social upliftment. It is a comprehensive program that responds to the varying needs of different peoples, cultures and sectors of society. Under this umbrella we have special programs like Youth Empowerment, Education , Prison SMART etc.

Lokvani: The Youth Empowerment program seems interesting. Why does Guruji consider it so important?

Sangeeta: Guruji says the problem in India is NOT unemployment but unemployable people. His premise is that if you can channelize the tremendous energy that is within the young people they can transform the world around them. Thus you do not need outsiders to bring transformation to the villages but rather have the villagers do it themselves for only that is a sustainable model. It was launched in August 1999 when youths from all over India, belonging to diverse ethnic and social groups, underwent an intensive three month training camp which incorporated traditional personal development techniques (meditation, yoga and breathing exercises) as well as training in rural management, leadership development with spiritual values, physical training and communication skills. The transformation that occurred during that first training program was remarkable. People who arrived pessimistic, diffident, and unfocused left energetic, proud of their heritage, with a relentlessly can-do attitude.

Lokvani: We heard about the change that was wrought in an Al-Queda operative. Could you tell us about the program that helped do that?

Sangeeta: Over 100.000 people have benefited from the Prison S.M.A.R.T. (Stress Management and Rehabilitation Training) program which offers a unique stress management program for prison inmates, at-risk, incarcerated youth and victims of crime. The Prison S.M.A.R.T. program is also a valuable tool for those working to end the cycle of violence, abuse and hatred in society whether through law enforcement, social rehabilitation or human development

This program has helped re-channelize the energies of even an Al-Queda operative who began to question his original life style. There was a Cartoon in the newspaper showing this person try to discard the “Art of Killing” in favor of the “Art of Living”

Lokvani: What about education? Do you focus on schooling?

Sangeeta: Education is an important part of Art of Living. We have introduced programs in urban schools to relieve the stress that many of the children undergo. We also have schools in rural and tribal areas. We identify the need of the place and put the right the kind of schooling that respects local cultures and traditions.

Would Art of Living conflict with any religious path one may take? Would it need “conversion”?

Sangeeta: Not at all. It is a philosophy not just at an intellectual level but at an integrated experential level. After doing the course, people feel happier for no reason. Sudarshan Kriya enhances quality of life. It energizes you.

There is absolutely no conversion necessary. You may follow any religious path. In fact Guruji is totally opposed to conversion. He feels just like there is no need to be Chinese to enjoy Chinese food one can respect all religions and yet be rooted in one’s own religion. He encourages people to find their roots. He has established Vedic schools to encourage understanding ancient knowledge of the Vedas which are precious. He also encourages people of different countries to try to understand their indigenous traditions.

Lokvani: What can people in New England do to get involved in this program?

Contact the local Art of Living centers. You can transform yourself and the world through this program. Nielendu Srivastava in the Boston area has taken on big responsibilities for the whole North American region.

Lokvani: Thank you for your time
Sangeeta: Thanks.

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