On 15 May 2009, the Federal Province and the City of Salzburg, Austria, bestowed extraordinary honours and acknowledged H. H. Swamiji's longlasting and outstanding efforts for good health, protection of the environment and world peace in Salzburg, in Austria and worldwide.
His Holiness Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, Mahamandaleshwar of Maha Nirvani Akhara, began his 37th World Peace Tour in beginning of March 2009 from Europe travelling to USA where in New York he was invited to take part in discussions about the global economic crisis at the headquarters of the United Nations. His Holiness conveyed that that the solution to this global problem is possible through spirituality, yoga and inner peace whilst living according to the Vedic culture.
From 20th to 22nd of February 2009 an international seminar of Yoga in Daily Life, led by His Holiness Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda took place in Strilky/Czech Republic, a beautiful venue with the medieval castle and untouched surrounding nature. About thousand disciples and practitioners of YIDL attended and thus took a short retreat from their daily routine.
Our dear Swamiji’s vision for a YIDL Ashram in Birmingham inspired us to start the yoga classes in a city centre community church last Spring, as well as look for a property for a more permanent YIDL home. Like all YIDL Ashrams it will be a centre for spiritual practice, community health programmes, environmental conservation, humanitarian aid, and educational activities; a place with opportunities for cultural interaction, personal growth and, above all – selfless service.
His Holiness Mahamandaleshwar Vishwaguru Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda visited Prague, Czech Republic during November 30 and December 1, 2008. He held a public lecture for more than 1200 visitors and planted a peace tree with several Prague dignitaries.