Karnataka: Barack Obama, wife Michelle Obama likely to visit Mandya district soon; Here's why
Mandya, Karnataka is gearing up for a momentous event in November as former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama are set to visit the region to inaugurate a spiritual center. This center has been constructed by the family of U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who has served under both Obama and the current President, Joe Biden.
The spiritual center, will be a global symbol, as it aims to connect with people from all corners of the world. The project, situated on a sprawling 12-acre expanse, carries a price tag of Rs 70 crore. The SCOPE Foundation is providing the funding for this innovative endeavor.
One of the center's striking features is an impressive 11-foot tall statue of Mother Earth, sculpted from a single piece of rock. The statue will be adorned with blue granite and whitestone, symbolizing water and waves. Renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj, known for crafting a statue of Subash Chandra Bose, has been chosen by Hallegere Lakshmi Narashima Murthy, Dr. Murthy's father, to bring this vision to life.
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In addition to the Mother Earth statue, the spiritual center will house 64 statues of philosophers spanning from Socrates to Swami Vivekananda. This integration of diverse philosophical voices underlines the center's commitment to fostering spiritual and intellectual growth.
The upcoming Yoga and Meditation Sathwik Centre, an integral part of the spiritual complex, is set to be established on eight acres of land. The foundation is planning to invite the revered Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to lay the foundation stone for this center.
As part of the project's global outreach, a walkathon promoting the concept of the "Mother of Earth" will be launched in Washington DC on September 10. Jill Biden, the U.S. First Lady, and Vice-President Kamala Harris will inaugurate this event. Similar walkathons are scheduled to take place in various cities abroad.
Hallegere Lakshmi Narashima Murthy shared insights into the project's financing, revealing, "Our family has funded several charity activities. Since the whole project needs around Rs 100 crore, we may approach some donors."
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Jaishankar holds talks with Russia's Lavrov; trade, geopolitics top agenda
New Delhi (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held "productive" talks on Wednesday to advance bilateral cooperation in energy and trade amid shifting geopolitical tensions.
Jaishankar met Lavrov, shortly after the Russian foreign minister landed in New Delhi to attend a two-day conclave of the BRICS member states beginning Thursday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and South Africa's Minister for International Relations Ozzy Lamola are among those who already arrived in the national capital for the BRICS foreign ministerial meeting.
Jaishankar and Lavrov are learnt to have deliberated on the West Asia crisis as well as the Ukraine conflict.
In a social media post, the external affairs minister described his talks with his Russian counterpart as "productive exchange of views".
"Our conversation touched upon several aspects of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, including trade and investment, energy and connectivity, science and technology, as well as facilitating mobility of skills and talent," he said.
"Other global and multilateral issues of mutual interest were also discussed," he said.
It is not immediately known if India's procurement of Russian crude oil figured in the talks.
In his televised opening remarks at the meeting, Jaishankar said India and Russia have a shared interest in strengthening multipolarity and could benefit through greater "de-risking" .
"The last few years have seen a steady and sustained growth in our bilateral partnership. Its economic and energy dimensions have become pronounced. Our political cooperation is even more valuable in an uncertain and volatile global environment," Jaishankar said.
"We have expanded our collaboration in science and technology. The mobility of talents and skills has acquired greater salience and our interest in ensuring better connectivity is deeper," he said.
"The complicated international situation also merits an open exchange of views, especially between two trusted partners," he said.
The external affairs minister said India and Russia have a shared interest in strengthening multipolarity.
Jaishankar also held separate bilateral talks with Brazilian Foreign Minister Vieira South Africa's Ozzy Lamola.
The external affairs minister also met Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam.
"Underlined our Neighbourhood First policy and reviewed our bilateral cooperation. Reiterated India's commitment to Maldives' progress and development," he said on X.
India, as the chair of the BRICS, is hosting the conclave of the foreign ministers ahead of the annual summit of the grouping in September.
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, with Indonesia joining in 2025.
It has emerged as an influential grouping as it brings together 11 major emerging economies of the world, representing around 49.5 per cent of the global population, around 40 per cent of the global GDP and around 26 per cent of the global trade.
The BRICS meeting will be chaired by Jaishankar.
