14 August, 2006
Isha Gramotsavam 2006 was inaugurated on 12th August 2006 at Government Arts College Grounds by Shri Veerapandy Arumugam, Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture. Delivering the inaugural address he said, "Each year Isha Gramotsavam goes from strength to strength, not only is it one of the most popular events in Tamil Nadu, it is among the events drawing maximum number of attendees countrywide. Gramotsavam is especially commendable as it celebrates the rejuvenation of rural India that Isha Foundation seeks to provide through its Action for Rural Rejuvenation program."
One of the major attractions of the event was Isha Rural Olympics, the sporting event in which 614 teams representing seven districts participated in 13 types of sports. The prize distribution ceremony presided by Sadhguru, Shri M. Kumaran, M.P and Shri A. Raja, M.L.A saw teams from Mathavarapuram and Devarayapuram from Coimbatore district take the top slot in men’s volleyball and women’s throw ball finals respectively. Odhiadikuppam, the tsunami affected village from Cuddalore district topped in the Kabbadi finals. At the distribution ceremony, Shri A. Raja said, "The aim of politics and spirituality is the same, both work for society’s well being through different means. For ensuring that the society remains on the correct path to progress, spirituality and self respect have to be the foundation."
The rural food festival saw some authentic rural cuisines from around 200 villages that captivated the taste buds of the crowds. Equally appreciated were the cultural events comprising of a beautiful folk performance by Vijaylakshmi Navneethakrishnan along with a fire and stick dance.
The event culminated with a Mahasathsang by Sadhguru which was attended by over 200,000 people. It comprised of an hour-long discourse, Q&A session and a guided meditation, all accompanied by the hearty performance of Sounds of Isha., Isha Foundation’s in-house band.