“I congratulate the Art of Living on 35 years of promoting educational and humanitarian work across the globe. Its message of one family (Vasudhaiva Kuttumbakam) is a powerful one and it is fitting that the World Cultural Festival is providing an opportunity for better understanding between people of different faiths, cultures and nationalities. I look forward to taking part in the Global Leadership Forum which is taking place as part of the Festival.”

Mr. Shailesh Vara is a Justice Minister and a Minister in the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK Government. He was previously Shadow Deputy Leader of the House of Commons and a Government Whip. Mr. Vara was educated at Brunel University and qualified as a solicitor, practicing in the City of London, prior to being elected to Parliament. He was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Indian Government in recognition of his work in the field of public service and promoting ties between India and the UK.