Asha Bhonsle: Playback singer, India

Renowned for her voice range and often credited for her versatility, legendary Bollywood singer Asha Bhonsle also known as the Queen of Bollywood playback singing was hon- oured with the prestigious Vishalakshi Global Award. This was presented to her by H H Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living. In her brief speech she expressed her heartfelt thanks to Gurudev and Ms Bhanumathi Narasimhan for the honour. She was deeply touched and also shared a few moments from her childhood. She presented a great combination of humility, grace and goodness, which touched the hearts of all present. 

Excerpts from her talk:

“What is harmony? My father who was also my Guru taught me to sing and live. We worked hard and sang all my life since childhood. For me that was harmonious living. Doing seva for my mother at home was the harmony in my life. From my childhood it has been that kind of harmony. Then singing was harmony. It is this harmony that God has given me. And I am very happy in my life. It was a very painful life, but I always think that when you come you have nothing; when you go you have nothing. Today, this is your day. This time is ours. You don’t know tomorrow. So, I am very happy to be with you, and very honored.”

Dr. Kiran Bedi:
Social Activist, India 

For her courage and commitment towards restoring ethics and public life leading to a much more harmonious society.

Vandana Shiva :
Author & Environmentalist, India 

For her dedication & outstanding contribution towards the protection of the environment.

Dr. Shalini Rajneesh : 
Indian Administrative Service 

For her commitment towards creating a corrupt free society through accountability and timely government services.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw : 
Chairman & Managing Director - Biocon

For her incredible service to humanity in the area of biotechnology, health & education.

Usha Gangaramani :
Art of living Faculty 

For spreading the wisdom of yoga, peace & the light of meditation in Middle East.

Sanjana Goel : 
Founder of Indian Association of Muscular Dysthropy

For her courage to face immense challenges and for founding the Indian Association of Muscular Dystrophy.

Vandana Daftary : 
Art of living Faculty

For bringing solace and rehabilitation to the victims of the Uttarakhand floods last year.

Neelam Patel :
Art of living Faculty 

For her commitment to service, bringing smile on everyone’s face & extending a sense of belongingness to thousands of people.

Mohana Sundari : 
Entrepreneur 

For her service & contribution towards education and entrepreneurship

Ambika Menon : 
Art of living Faculty

For spreading the wisdom of yoga & meditation in Malaysia.

Marcy Jackson :
Art of living Faculty

For spreading the wisdom of yoga & meditation in Canada & all over the world for last 25 years.

Kuntala & Kalindi Mazumdar :
Social Workers

For their contribution towards girl child education.
Romola Prabhu, their niece- receiving the award on their behalf

Alice Holiday : 
Art of living Faculty

For spreading the wisdom of yoga & meditation in the USA.