A spiritual leader and humanitarian with more than 300 centers in 60 countries, Sri Chinmoy was remembered after his death by President Nelson Mandela as his “dear friend working for the greater cause of world peace and for his lifetime service to humanity.” Archbishop Desmond Tutu poignantly added, “In a world of suspicion, hostility and conflict, he worked tirelessly to bring the different faiths together.”
Wondering to himself whether he should continue painting, Sri Chinmoy appeared on Niska's path. At first seeing Niska's work, Sri Chinmoy declared, “There is God in these paintings.” He honored Niska at a special ceremony as a World Server of Peace at McGill University, and in New York where Sri Chinmoy served as Director of the Peace Meditation Room at the United Nations.
