Munish Sood
MANDI: As Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with the devastation caused by recent floods, a unique form of relief has reached the affected villages — not just in the form of food and supplies, but also in the form of peace, resilience and emotional healing.
The Art of Living Foundation, under the guidance of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has been providing trauma-relief programs alongside material aid in the state’s worst-hit areas.
In Parala village of Mandi district, 60-year-old Tulju Devi expressed gratitude: “No one had come so far to even ask how we were coping. We are grateful that someone recognized our pain and challenges in this difficult time.”
The disaster has left deep scars, not just on the survivors but also on frontline workers involved in rescue and relief. To address this, Art of Living has extended its programmes to SDRF personnel and volunteers from different agencies, conducting guided meditation sessions that offered them mental clarity, calm, and renewed energy to carry on their demanding duties.
Acknowledgment from authorities
DSP Manohar Lal of the 4th India Reserve Battalion, Junglebari Camp in Mandi, said that nearly two months after the calamity struck Seraj constituency, voluntary efforts like those of Art of Living continue to play a crucial role.
“The organisation reached disaster-hit villages with clothes, books and essential supplies. They gave schoolchildren notebooks and pencils to ensure studies were not disrupted. With many houses washed away, families were left with nothing. Through yoga and meditation, Art of Living helped people regain emotional strength and mental stability. These efforts offered real solace at a time of overwhelming loss,” he said.
Volunteers walking miles to deliver relief
Since July, Art of Living volunteers have been stationed in the affected areas, working tirelessly to distribute rations, solar lamps, and other necessities across nearly 40 villages. Often, they trekked long distances on foot to reach remote communities cut off by the disaster.
Among them is senior teacher Amrita, who has personally introduced meditation practices to over 500 survivors. Walking nearly 8 kilometers every day, she not only delivered relief materials but also guided traumatized families through breathing and meditation techniques to instill inner strength.
The initiative has underscored the importance of addressing the mental and emotional aftermath of natural disasters. While relief agencies continue to provide food, shelter, and rehabilitation, the Art of Living Foundation has added another dimension — helping victims and rescuers alike find calm amid chaos.
As survivors slowly rebuild their lives, the blend of material aid and spiritual healing is proving to be a source of comfort. In the words of many villagers, these efforts are not just relief — they are a lifeline of hope in times of despair.
