Saturday 14 / February / 2026
Muscat: Globally acclaimed humanitarian, peacemaker, mental health exponent and founder of The Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, was in Muscat recently to attend Celebrate Life - An Evening of Meditation and Interaction. Held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event was attended by over 2000 people who came together for an evening that was sprinkled with music, anecdotes, knowledge and meditation.
The evening began with a musical performance by renowned violinist Nasser Al Kindi and popular Omani singer, Nadeem Al Balushi. This was followed by a talk by Christoph Glacer, Director, TLEX Institute and a member of The Art of Living Foundation, who shared the globally conducted studies and benefits of deep breathing as well as meditation.
After a brief musical interlude, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar came on stage to address the crowd and lead the proceedings of the evening. Renowned for developing the SKY breathing technique, which has shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while increasing energy and calm, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar spoke about its benefits.
“Studies have shown that SKY breathing boosts your immune system five times. SKY breathing improves your physical and mental health as well as emotional stability,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
During the course of the evening, the Founder of the non-profit organisation, The Art of Living, shared about the work done by him and his volunteers to make the world a more joyful and stress-free place by offering resources for personal development. He has been immensely instrumental in advocating mental health, bringing comfort and relief from trauma for returning troops and their families, lowering violations and violence in schools and contributing to world peace. He was the key intermediary in resolving a 50-year-old conflict in Colombia.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also spoke about the benefits of meditation and how it can boost a person’s well-being.
“Meditation allows you to experience profound relaxation while remaining fully alert and aware. When you meditate daily, you are able to stay fresh and vibrant the whole day,” he said.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s discourse ended with him leading the audience through a guided relaxing meditation.
Prominent individuals from the community were awarded the Art of Living Oman Impact Awards. The awardees were Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali, Chairman, Muscat Media Group; Ms.Zahara Abdullah Al-Harmali, Founder, Shuroq Al-Amal Al-Alamia Rehabilitation Centre;
Sayyida Susan Al Said, Founder, Royal Academy Muscat and Bait Muzna Gallery; Dr. Thuwayba Bint Ahmed Al Barwani, Vice Chair of the Child Rights Convention Committee - UN
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva, Honourable Member of the State Council and Former Dean of the College of Education, SQU; Dr. Mohamed Al Hinai, Academician and Writer & Political Scientist and Management Expert, Former Civil servant, Diplomat (Councilor), Promoter of Go Green Project Oman; Dr. Muneer bin Mohammed Al Maskrari, Founder CEO, Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS); Ms. Thikrayat Khodr, Founder of Taj Al Yasmine, Lolah & Khamis; Nabil Al Mahrooqi, Psychologist and Art of Living Faculty, Oman and Dr. Amira Raidan, Supervisor for Drug awareness and Training section at the prevention committee at the National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances.
The evening ended with lilting performances by Omani musicians and pianist Katya Grineva who captivated the audience with their evocative melodies and intricate rhythms.
