New York, July 7 (IANS) Indian spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been honoured by the New Jersey general assembly and by the city of Edison for his organisation’s initiatives in the US and its service to the world at large. The state assembly passed a resolution acknowledging that the guru, currently visiting the US, has been “furthering the best of human instincts, traits and characteristics, and promoting sustainable growth in poor rural communities”.

It also praised his Art of Living Foundation, “which assists at-risk youth in turning away from gang violence, drugs and alcohol toward a life of greater generosity and service”.

The foundation’s projects in the US include inner city youth leadership programmes, free trauma relief for survivors of tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina and the Virginia Tech shootings, special programmes for returning war veterans, prisoner reform, stress-elimination programmes for corporations and working adults, and human-values based programmes for children and youth.

The mayor of Edison and other leaders also honoured Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and his Art of Living Foundation July 4 for their service to the city and the world during a ceremony inaugurating a three-day meditation and yoga retreat conducted by the guru in the city, a foundation press release said.

Mayor Jun Choi declared July 4-6, which coincides with the US Independence Day, as “His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Weekend in Edison” in front of 1,500 people participating in the course at the Raritan Exposition Centre.

“Sri Sri Ravi Shankar serves as a great leader and as a symbol of wisdom and encouragement through his teachings on spiritual values,” said Choi. “He shares his wisdom and ancient knowledge on how to achieve health and happiness.”

The Town Council of Edison also issued a Proclamation of Commendation for his universal initiatives.

“Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s divine messages and teachings of developing the spirit of universal brotherhood and love amongst one another have provided a model and standard towards which all members of the human family should strive,” said Town Council member Sudhanshu Prasad.

The guru’s initiatives have benefited 300 million people in 145 countries, the press release said. He travels to more than 40 countries every year, sharing his vision of a violence-free, stress-free global family.