“What is needed in the students is to build self-confidence. The attention span has reduced by 70% in the last 10 years and similarly the retention power of youth has also reduced,” he said. He also explained how the Art of Living Foundation has been involved in helping over 70,000 youth under the Youth Leadership Training Programme and a majority of them are now working in different industries and many of them have become entrepreneurs also.

During this occasion, Fr. E. Abraham, Director of XIMB, said, “We at XIMB aim to instill social values, ethics and concern for society in our students besides providing them excellent management training.” Fr. Abraham appraised that the Art of Living Foundation is the largest volunteer based NGO working in over 140 countries dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual. “The contribution of Art of Living Foundation to the society is immense in different spheres like campaigning for peace, counselling, bringing people to the negotiating table. By using ancient techniques, he has brought out thousands of people from depression and helped them in overcoming suicidal tendencies,” said Fr. Abraham.

During the talk, Guruji described India as a continent in itself. “We are so diverse but still we are united. We need to maintain this diversity. Usually managers wish to see uniformity but they should acknowledge the diversity present; as well,” he explained. He urged students to keep themselves away from community, religious and gender prejudices. Guruji reiterated the need for communication without barriers for budding managers. He said “Unless you become a part of the people you can’t manage them. One has to learn how to be one with them.”

Addressing a major concern of the students relating to maintaining work-life balance and remaining stress-free, Guruji emphasized the need of spirituality in the corporate world. He averred that our breathing system controls the brain and neural impulses and by adhering to simple breathing exercises, we can indeed keep ourselves composed and free from fatigue and stress.

He particularly urged the students of the rural management programme at XIMB to be sensitive to the rural ways of life. “We don’t need to change the rural way of life. We need to honour the rural people and reinforce their confidence,” he insisted. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar blessed all and wished students success in their endeavours.