In the presence of CM Mohan Yadav, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Mantralaya between the Madhya Pradesh Department of Planning, Economics & Statistics and the Personality Development Centre of the Art of Living Foundation. This collaboration will focus on crucial areas such as water conservation, sustainable agriculture, rural livelihoods, village development, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, cow welfare, de-addiction, health, social welfare, and quality education.
The primary objective of this MoU is to reinforce the state government’s efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), support effective policymaking, strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and conduct in-depth surveys to advance the long-term Vision\@2047 development agenda. The signing event was attended by key dignitaries, including Shri Sanjay Shukla (Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Planning, Economics & Statistics), Shri Rishi Garg (Madhya Pradesh State Policy Commission), and representatives from the Art of Living Foundation, Shri Rohan Jain and Shri Ajit Bhaskar.
Founded by Padma Vibhushan awardee Shri Shri Ravi Shankar ji, the Art of Living Foundation is widely recognized for its holistic and capacity-building programs. The organization runs targeted initiatives for diverse groups including police forces, scientists, military personnel, Panchayati Raj members, youth, educators, and students. Its focus areas include water conservation, natural farming, skill development, rural upliftment, afforestation, de-addiction, prison reforms, and development of border villages. The Foundation also works closely with several state and central government bodies and has signed a pact with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the “Karmayogi Bharat” scheme to deliver capacity-building programs for civil servants.