JOWAI: The Jowai branch of Meghalaya chapter of the Art of Living conducted a batch of its world-acclaimed Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) in Syndai from January 6 to 14.
The YLTP is a unique training program aimed at creating physically strong, mentally alert and morally responsible individuals who are ready to cross their comfort zones and to become role models for others.
The 8-days residential program was conducted by international Art of Living trainer Swami Alexander from Netherlands and was attended by youth from seven different villages across Jaintia Hills including Nartiang, Wahiajer, Nongkynrih, Mihmyntdu, Ialong, Raliang and Syndai.
Youths were trained in physical and mental fitness, personality development, leadership and communication skills, public speaking, interpersonal skills, adaptability skills, time management, etc.
“The focus is on instilling positive thinking, dynamism and commitment among the participants”, coordinator of Art of Living activities in Jaintia Hills, P Toi explained.
“The training inspires the participants to see the bigger meaning of life and take responsibility for themselves, their society, state and country. Special training is provided to raise their self-esteem and make them partners in the process of sustainable social development,” he added
The youth will now go back to their respective localities and inspire other people there to join them in working for the holistic development of their villages and areas.
They will work in areas of health awareness, conduct cleanliness drives and teach practical tools such as breathing techniques to allow people to improve their health and get rid of tension and stress.
During the program the participants already organized and conducted various programs in and around Syndai, such as a project on cleaning the area in and around the famous Syndai cave, removing huge amounts of plastic and other litter.
“This is the first time we have conducted such a program in Meghalaya, and it was a big success,” shares P Toi.
“The response was inspiring and we are looking forward to organizing more such programs across the state in the near future. Our youth is the future, and if we can make them strong, caring, responsible and service-oriented individuals, we can effective tackle many of today’s social problems.”
The Art of Living is an international non-profitable organization founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the year 1981.
The volunteer-based NGO works in the fields of stress-management, education, rural development and other humanitarian service projects.
The organization operates globally in over 150 countries and also offers stress-elimination programs that include breathing techniques, meditation and yoga. These programs have helped millions across the world to overcome stress, depression and violent tendencies.