New Delhi: As National Green Tribunal pulled up Art of Living Foundation for its event World Culture Festival on the banks of river Yamuna, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar defended it saying the NGT report is biased and in fact the organisation should be rewarded for conducting an event.
He added that he would have received a red carpet welcome for organising WCF in other countries.
Claiming that those who are opposing the event have done nothing to clean the river, Shankar said, "The NGT committee report is completely biased. They have never gone there. I contest their claims. We have not cut a single tree in that place. To do a program at such a place, they should reward us. They should appreciate our initiative and come together. We are doing this for an eco-friendly system, we are doing this for the environment. And it's ridiculous to say that they are destroying the Yamuna floodplains."
A committee appointed by NGT has recommended fining Art of Living Foundation Rs 120 crore for damage to Yamuna floodplains while making preparations for the event. The WCF, which is being hosted from March 11-13, will feature a diverse program of cultural performances, addresses by dignitaries, an interfaith meet and platforms for leadership discussions.
The Delhi Development Authority has claimed that they were not informed of the scale of the event.
On the question of shifting the venue, Shankar said, "It is not possible to shift the venue with less than 10 days left. Event like this takes years to plan and it is impossible to alter venues at short notice."
Comparing WCF with Olympics, Shankar said, "Many countries want this World Culture Festival to be held in their country. If it was in some other country, I would get a red carpet welcome to go and do it there. All sensible people supporting us with this project. When we went with this project to Delhi government, they were happy that we were doing such a program in Delhi. Central government and Delhi government, all over the country people are so appreciative, they want to come and participate. Just a few people trying to oppose won't make a difference."
Organised by The Art of Living, a UN-accredited global NGO headed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, WCF aims to be the first such historic gathering to celebrate peaceful co-existence and unity in diversity as it brings together people from different cultures, nations, and faiths as a one-world family in a resounding message of peace.
Through the presentation of traditional and country-specific dance, music, art and costumes from around the world, the festival aims to foster a deeper mutual understanding between people of different faiths, nationalities and backgrounds, an important concern of the Art of Living.
Among the confirmed speakers are Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Pranab Mukherjee and a host of global leaders.
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