Bangalore, Sep 5 (IANS) A three-day camp hosted by a leading Indian lifestyle guru for village leaders in Karnataka has ended, winning accolades from participants for turning them into new men.

Over 500 Zila Parishad members from all parts of the state participated in the 'Gyan-Dhyan-Yoga' event hosted by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living group. They have returned home with a new zest for serving rural masses, according to Art of Living officials. The camp ended Aug 31.

This watershed initiative inspired by Sri Sri empowered and instilled a new sense of commitment and dynamism among the rural leaders, cutting across party lines.

The camp was organised by Sri Sri Rural Development Programme in collaboration with the ministry of rural development and Panchayat Raj.

"As a result of this camp there will be a healthy atmosphere for development in the villages," said Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister C M Udashi.

"The idea behind the camp was to engineer a transformation at the grassroots level. Seeing the enthusiasm of the participants, I am happy that the camp has had the desired effect," he said.

A new zest for service was evident amongst these elected representatives of rural Karnataka. Many Zila Parishad participants called it a new beginning in their lives.

"Thanks to the rainy weather of Kodagu, I used to drink every day. After experiencing the 'Sudarshan Kriya', I have decided not to drink again," said Manumuthappa, a Bharatiya Janata Party member of Kodagu Zila Parisahd.

"Earlier we thought money was the purpose of our work. But now I have realised the importance of serving other people," said S.M. Ankad, a Zila Parishad member from Gadag.

Many participants reported freedom from tension and stress.

"I pray five times a day, but I experienced a different level of prayer when I was doing the 'Sudarshan Kriya' and sitting in satsang with Guruji. The whole experience was like doing zikr (japa) of Allah," said S.M. Khadari of Gulbarga.

Addressing the participants, Sri Sri called upon them to focus on character building of the masses. "The respect a person commands in society is because of his character and behaviour, not the position he or she holds," he said.

He called upon the villagers to rise above party politics and stay united for the development of villages.

"Do not divide the people in the name of caste and religion," he said. "The camp will help provide a new direction in the administration of the villages in Karnataka."

The Art of Living, founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is running several development programmes aimed at creating economically, socially and environmentally self-reliant rural communities. So far it has reached out to over 25,300 villages in India.