“It was an honor to be part of an event, ‘I Stand for Peace’ along with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli, the new President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). Stating that “I was fortunate to be able to attend my first Public Event, “I Stand By Peace,” after assuming charge as the President of the largest ethnic medical organization in the USA, representing over 120,000 highly successful physicians of Indian origin in the United States.”
“I stand for peace” was jointly organized by AAPI, IAMA, and IABC in Oak Brook, IL on June 27th, 2022. Also present at the meeting were other leaders of AAPI including Drs. Gopal Lalmalani, Suresh Reddy, Bharat Barai, Sreenivas Reddy, Meherbala Medavaram, Ram Medavaram, Vishnu Chundi and other leaders of IAMA. The event was moderated by Dr. Radhika Chimata.
Dr. Kolli discussed with the participants, his focus on physician wellness and battling the stigma of mental illness as a priority for AAPI. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji reiterated the importance of inner mental peace, bringing peace to all communities freeing them from gun violence, and promoting physician wellness. Gurudev concluded the meeting by guiding the delegates for a 22-minutes long meditation session and led the delegates to a pledge: ‘I Stand for Peace’ asking them to repeat the pledge with Gurudev ji.
“In this polarized society, we need more people who can bring peace, who can bridge the gap from conflict to proper communication and celebration,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in his address, and spoke of advancing peace and goodwill through the World Culture Festival next year to bring people of all backgrounds and all ideologies together.
“We want to give the message, ‘Wake up. We are one family’,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Later, after leading the participants in a guided meditation, he spoke about what he has experienced while on this worldwide tour and how it can help Chicagoans achieve meaningful peace and amity. “Meditation makes you emotionally strong, mentally sharp intuitively more alert, and mindful in your work, whatever you are doing,” he said and described its benefits for various health conditions.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar honored Dr. Ravi Kolli, AAPI President, Dr. Bharat Barai, chair of Indiana Medical Board, Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, Chair of Illinois Medical Board, Dr. Suresh Reddy, Trustee of Oakbrook Village, Dr. Vishnu Chundu and Mr. Adarsh Shastri.
