Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Sunday said that people in the North-Eastern states should put forward their concerns on Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) peacefully without causing loss to life and property.

"I would like to appeal to all people (in North-eastern states protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act) that they must put forward their concerns peacefully without causing loss to life and property. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees should also get the citizenship of the country," Sri Sri Ravishankar told ANI.

Protests erupted in several parts of Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

However, the Act will not apply to areas covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

"Nothing in this section shall apply to the tribal area of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873," read a Gazette notification.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Sunday said that people in the North-Eastern states should put forward their concerns on Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) peacefully without causing loss to life and property.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Sunday said that people in the North-Eastern states should put forward their concerns on Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) peacefully without causing loss to life and property. "I would like to appeal to all people (in North-eastern states protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act) that they must put forward their concerns peacefully without causing loss to life and property. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees should also get the citizenship of the country," Sri Sri Ravishankar told ANI. Protests erupted in several parts of Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. However, the Act will not apply to areas covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. "Nothing in this section shall apply to the tribal area of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under "The Inner Line" notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873," read a Gazette notification.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar appeals for peace in Northeast India

Supreme Court on Friday granted more time to the mediation committee to reach an amicable solution in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-case-nirmohi-akhara-requests-sc-to-move-mediation-proceedings-to-neutral-place-205855"> Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute</a> case.&nbsp;

The court extended the deadline till August 15th for the mediation panel to help solve the dispute at Ayodhya.&nbsp;

"We have received the report from the mediation committee and additional time has been sought," the apex court said. The top court said it had received the mediation committee’s report on May 7th.

On March 8th, the Supreme Court had asked the panel to hold in-camera proceedings and complete it within eight weeks.&nbsp;

The five-judge bench is being headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi which includes Justices SA Bobde, SA Nazeer, Ashok Bhushan and DY Chandrachud.

“Chairperson of the committee has requested for additional time till August 15. We will allow the request," the court added.

India's top court had appointed three members - former apex court judge FM Ibrahim&nbsp; Kalifulla, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar and advocate Sriram Panchu - as mediators to help settle the decades-long dispute.

"Nobody will come in the way of the mediation process," the Supreme Court declared.

CJI Ranjan Gogoi said the court would not like to short circuit the mediation process.

Supreme Court on Friday granted more time to the mediation committee to reach an amicable solution in the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute case. The court extended the deadline till August 15th for the mediation panel to help solve the dispute at Ayodhya.

Supreme Court on Friday granted more time to the mediation committee to reach an amicable solution in the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute case. The court extended the deadline till August 15th for the mediation panel to help solve the dispute at Ayodhya. "We have received the report from the mediation committee and additional time has been sought," the apex court said. The top court said it had received the mediation committee’s report on May 7th. On March 8th, the Supreme Court had asked the panel to hold in-camera proceedings and complete it within eight weeks. The five-judge bench is being headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi which includes Justices SA Bobde, SA Nazeer, Ashok Bhushan and DY Chandrachud. “Chairperson of the committee has requested for additional time till August 15. We will allow the request," the court added. India's top court had appointed three members - former apex court judge FM Ibrahim Kalifulla, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar and advocate Sriram Panchu - as mediators to help settle the decades-long dispute. "Nobody will come in the way of the mediation process," the Supreme Court declared. CJI Ranjan Gogoi said the court would not like to short circuit the mediation process.

Supreme Court grants additional time to mediators in Ayodhya case

Groups of people raised &quot;azadi&quot; slogans at an event of Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar here today and left midway alleging that they were tricked into participating in the programme.

As Ravishankar was speaking at Paigham-e-Mohabbat (message of love) function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) lawns, people started to leave the venue, forcing the spiritual leader to cut short his speech.

The people alleged they did not know that Ravishankar was to speak there and were invited to the programme on different pretexts.

We reached here early in the morning. We were told that we will be given jobs and some management company is giving training here, a group of youths from Pantha Chowk area of the city said.

Another group from central Kashmir&#39;s Budgam district said they were told some religious scholar was to shed light on Islam.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-country-should-not-become-like-syria-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-34792" target="_blank">Our country should not become like Syria, says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-country-should-not-become-like-syria-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-34792" target="_blank">Sri Sri</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-country-should-not-become-like-syria-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-34792" target="_blank"> Ravishankar</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-face-backlash-over-syria-remark-34813" target="_blank">Sri Sri</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-face-backlash-over-syria-remark-34813" target="_blank"> Ravishankar faces backlash over Syria remark</a>

We would not have participated in this event had we known who was to speak. We were tricked by the organisers, they claimed.

A group of students alleged that they were promised cricket kits by the organisers.

We were promised cricket kits and money. But we have not been given anything, not even a glass of water, Javed Ahmad, a student from Baramulla district, said.

The people raised pro-freedom slogans at the event, but dispersed peacefully later.

Asked about the people&#39;s allegations, Ravishankar said it was he who was invited to Kashmir and he had not invited those people but would be available to hear whatever they want to say.

Earlier, the Art of Living founder in his speech said he wanted to see Kashmir as the Switzerland of Asia.

I want to see an atmosphere of beauty, peace and love here, for which we all have to work together If we think about past only, then we will remain sad. We should look forward. We have the courage and power to be resilient and think about our future, he said.

Later, talking to reporters at another location, Ravishankar said he had come to Kashmir to hear the people.

&quot;I will be meeting several delegations, including victims of violence. I will hear them over the next two days and I want to create a wave of happiness and an atmosphere of love in Kashmir,&quot; he said.

As Ravishankar was speaking at Paigham-e-Mohabbat (message of love) function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) lawns, people started to leave the venue, forcing the spiritual leader to cut short his speech

Groups of people raised "azadi" slogans at an event of Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar here today and left midway alleging that they were tricked into participating in the programme. As Ravishankar was speaking at Paigham-e-Mohabbat (message of love) function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) lawns, people started to leave the venue, forcing the spiritual leader to cut short his speech. The people alleged they did not know that Ravishankar was to speak there and were invited to the programme on different pretexts. We reached here early in the morning. We were told that we will be given jobs and some management company is giving training here, a group of youths from Pantha Chowk area of the city said. Another group from central Kashmir's Budgam district said they were told some religious scholar was to shed light on Islam. Also read: Our country should not become like Syria, says Sri Sri Ravishankar Also read: Sri Sri Ravishankar faces backlash over Syria remark We would not have participated in this event had we known who was to speak. We were tricked by the organisers, they claimed. A group of students alleged that they were promised cricket kits by the organisers. We were promised cricket kits and money. But we have not been given anything, not even a glass of water, Javed Ahmad, a student from Baramulla district, said. The people raised pro-freedom slogans at the event, but dispersed peacefully later. Asked about the people's allegations, Ravishankar said it was he who was invited to Kashmir and he had not invited those people but would be available to hear whatever they want to say. Earlier, the Art of Living founder in his speech said he wanted to see Kashmir as the Switzerland of Asia. I want to see an atmosphere of beauty, peace and love here, for which we all have to work together If we think about past only, then we will remain sad. We should look forward. We have the courage and power to be resilient and think about our future, he said. Later, talking to reporters at another location, Ravishankar said he had come to Kashmir to hear the people. "I will be meeting several delegations, including victims of violence. I will hear them over the next two days and I want to create a wave of happiness and an atmosphere of love in Kashmir," he said.

Tricked into attending Sri Sri Ravishankar's Srinagar event: Locals

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said today he will be visiting Ayodhya on November 16.

Speaking to reporters at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said he will be meeting Hindu Mahasabha members today.

&quot;Only dialogue can solve this issue,&quot; he said, adding,&quot;the conflict is driven by greed.&quot;

The Art of Living founder said he will be speaking to &quot;all stakeholders&quot; involved in the Ayodhya issue.

Amarnath Mishra, who is the interlocutor for the Ram temple issue had met with the spiritual leader&nbsp;last week, reports said.

On October 31st, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had held talks with Shia Waqf Board and representatives of the Hindu Mahasabha.

The final hearing of the Ayodhya issue will begin in the Supreme Court on December 5th.

In 2010, the Allahabad High Court had accepted the disputed site in Ayodhya as the birthplace of Lord Ram. The Supreme Court had however suspended the judgement in 2011.

Sri Sri said he will be meeting ?Hindu Mahasabha members today

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said today he will be visiting Ayodhya on November 16. Speaking to reporters at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said he will be meeting Hindu Mahasabha members today. "Only dialogue can solve this issue," he said, adding,"the conflict is driven by greed." The Art of Living founder said he will be speaking to "all stakeholders" involved in the Ayodhya issue. Amarnath Mishra, who is the interlocutor for the Ram temple issue had met with the spiritual leader last week, reports said. On October 31st, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had held talks with Shia Waqf Board and representatives of the Hindu Mahasabha. The final hearing of the Ayodhya issue will begin in the Supreme Court on December 5th. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court had accepted the disputed site in Ayodhya as the birthplace of Lord Ram. The Supreme Court had however suspended the judgement in 2011.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to visit Ayodhya on November 16

In an exclusive interview with WION Sri Sri Ravishankar said that India has changed after Modi government came to power. Speaking on issues ranging from cow vigilantism to the NGT controversy, Sr Sri said that PM Modi has brought in the spirit of positive and inclusive nationalism.

Read the full interview:

Q: Why is AOL refusing to pay the fine imposed by the NGT?

A: We have already paid the fine. We have paid after&nbsp;protesting against it as our side of the argument was never heard. If you violate any law then it is fine. Court says that it is compensation and not a fine. It is a deposit and not a fine.

Q: The matter will go to the Supreme Court?

A: Hearing has not happened. I hope justice would prevail.

Q: Does it undermine the work which AOL has undertaken?

A: Not at all. We were the one which worked for mere dilli mere&nbsp;Yamuna. There were 10,000 volunteers who cleaned the Yamuna river. We would be the last people to pollute it. There are vested interests who want to rake up this issue.

Q: Who are these vested interests?

A: I don&rsquo;t know.

Q: Do you feel that you got targeted because you supported certain political personalities who had strong views on politics?

A: Maybe but one thing for is sure that there are jealous people and they felt that we could take on the world. It was cultural Olympics. Naturally, some people wanted to stop it. Yamuna wasn&rsquo;t the concern. They wanted to sabotage the programme which they couldn&rsquo;t do in the end.

Q: Why do you say that?

A: They tried all means and kept calling up international dignitaries that they shouldn&rsquo;t come. They sent a petition to the Prime Minister and the President asking them not to come. If they were so serious about Yamuna, just 100 meters from there encroachment exists and toxic material is being injected in the river. They weren&rsquo;t happy with the idea of the event.

Q:&nbsp;Was it that your views and ideas were different and didn&rsquo;t jell with the pre-existing viewpoint?

A:&nbsp;There are 2500 religious leaders from all faiths who were present. India is proud of it. Today we are getting calls from other countries to organise the event. In the four days, Delhi&rsquo;s GDP grew by 40 per cent and 13 per cent tourists arrived that month. A lot of good things happened. There is a saying in Sanskrit that if you envision something&nbsp;big then hurdles will come up but we faced them all with great spirit and enthusiasm.

Q: You are saying that these were little obstacles?

A: Correct.

Q: The Modi government is completing three years in power. How do you evaluate the government?

A: This government (BJP) has boosted the&nbsp;image of the country everywhere in the world. People are taking notice of the country. There is tremendous faith in the people. There aren&rsquo;t many scams and there is a nationalistic spirit which PM has re-enforced in the country which has appealed to the youth of the country. &nbsp;

Q: But if you look at the political narrative, nationalism has divided the political narrative...

A: Nationalism doesn&rsquo;t mean that you question other people&rsquo;s patriotism. Religion and nationalism are different and shouldn&rsquo;t be mixed with religion. People of all faith are patriotic to this country. People who do anti-social activities don&rsquo;t belong to one religion.

Nationalism is not looked down in any country be it the US or any other country. Patriotism is held very high. Somehow in India for a couple of decades, if you are patriotic, the feeling is that you are sidelining people which is not correct and it should be done away with...

Q: Has PM Modi tried to correct it?

A: Yes, he has tried to correct it. He brought in the spirit of positive and inclusive nationalism.

Q: How do you define positive nationalism?

A: It includes all communities. All community people are coming together...

Q: AOL was&nbsp;very active in 2014, has Modi made a difference in the North-East?

A: We have worked with ULFA and other militants in the North-East. They were persuaded by us to join the&nbsp;mainstream. You should work at multiple levels. Inner wounds need to be healed. When it happens, healing takes place. The aim is to have economic growth...&nbsp;

Q: Were you able to achieve this&nbsp;aim?

A: We could do it and ensured that surrendered militants get re-integrated into&nbsp;society. We brought some back to the ashram too.

Q: You are speaking about peace but India is seeing a&nbsp;lot of vigilantism violence and identity politics...

A: This is not a new situation and an issue and it has been there for ages. Sepoy mutiny happened over identification of two animals. I would prefer the vigilantes to be vigilant against crime rather than over cows. There is so much crime against society and they should be vigilant against them. This effort is required. The&nbsp;police force alone cannot bring peace in society. The society must wake-up.

Q: Then how do you ensure that in the name of cows people don&rsquo;t target each other?

A: These are few incidents in a big country like India. It should be treated like a&nbsp;crime and not as a cultural onslaught of one culture against the other. It is only a crime and shouldn&rsquo;t be seen as onslaught approved by the majority.

Q: So, you are saying that this projection is worrying?

A: Correct

Q: What is happening in Kashmir?

A: It really pains me. I have been working with them for a long time. It really pains me. The youth is suffering. There is no leadership for them in the valley. The media in the valley is controlled by vested interests. It brings passion in them to go and rebel and destroy and it is being promoted and that is unfortunate. The youth should also feel integrated with the rest. The targeting of the youth&nbsp;creates a backlash in the valley. We have said that if someone targets you then you should contact us. From a narrow regional vision&nbsp;to a global vision would be helpful.

Q: Can the problem of violence be resolved with political actors or does it require interfaith dialogue?

A: Interfaith dialogue is required as religious leaders do have space in people&rsquo;s life. They impact the people either in a&nbsp;positive or negative way.&nbsp;

Q: Have you tried inter-faith dialogue when it comes to Kashmir?

A: Yes, we have done that but we need to do it more.

Q: How do you do it? India has&nbsp;very aggressive and a disturbed neighbourhood?

A:&nbsp;The world over there is about&nbsp;extremism and we need to understand it. We have not invested in peace education either&nbsp;in schools or&nbsp;at home. We have not tackled issues of anger or greed. If the world can invest one per cent of what they invest in defence in&nbsp;peace education the world can be a much better place.

Q: India also has&nbsp;its own issue like Ayodhya. Should the temple issue be decided by consensus or should it be a result of judicial pronouncement?

A: Way back in 2003&nbsp;I gave a proposal that it cannot be a matter for the court. It can be a gesture to each other. It can become a measure of goodwill. There are vested interests everywhere who block such initiatives. There can be give-and-take or else it will continue to be a thorn and a security challenge.&nbsp;

Q: Are you saying that judicial decision instead of closing the issue can become a festering wound?

A: In this one would lose the opportunity to lose goodwill to each other. But if it comes from the heart then it will become an opportunity to heal wounds.

Q: How come you have not been able to realise this opportunity in India?

A: Well, there were many political interferences and many wanted to take political mileage and time is right and I still have hope...

Q: Can ever spirituality be divorced from politics?

A: It cannot be divorced from anything. You need spirituality in everything. It uplifts the spirit. You need it in sports also. It is about basic ethics of life and how can politics be devoid of ethics.

Q: You have spoken on women issues in the past. Today there is a raging debate on triple talaq. Do you think it requires reform?

A: Reforms are required. Human rights should be the first thing to be attended to, women have&nbsp;rights. They have equal rights and these reforms must be brought in. There was a time music was barred by religion but later they made music part of their life. Pictures weren&rsquo;t allowed too but came into use. What is required is timely transition. The values are eternal but practices differ and they need reform when they are out of date.

Q: Then women should be allowed in Sabarimala as per your logic. Why not?

A: There was a reason why they weren&rsquo;t allowed under an age period. Now it needs to be looked into, it&nbsp;is something religious leaders need to consider.&nbsp;

Q: Can there be a spiritually&nbsp;healthy life without renunciation?

A: Yes, it can be done. We don&rsquo;t ask people to renounce the world. To be spiritual doesn&rsquo;t mean that you need to leave what you do.

Q: What is the mantra?

A: Work life balance. Meditation is the key. It changes the structure of the brain.&nbsp;It allows selfless service activity and keeps your mind sane.

Q: You are saying that meditation would suffice?

A: Yes. Like dental hygiene, it is mental hygiene. The simple formula is clarity of mind and heart.

Q: You used the word depression? This country lacks a grid for mental health. Does your therapy work?

A: A weak mind cannot carry a strong body but a strong mind can carry a weak body. You see this happening all over the world. There are twenty-five per cent people in Japan&nbsp;who&nbsp;commit suicide. Bengaluru cities witness many suicides. It manifests due to&nbsp;lack of self-confidence. Self-confidence helps you by building endurance...

Watch the full interview on WION TV at 9pm (IST) on 13th May(Saturday) and 8pm on 14th May(Sunday)

(WION)

In an exclusive interview with WION Sri Sri Ravishankar said that India has changed after Modi government came to power

In an exclusive interview with WION Sri Sri Ravishankar said that India has changed after Modi government came to power. Speaking on issues ranging from cow vigilantism to the NGT controversy, Sr Sri said that PM Modi has brought in the spirit of positive and inclusive nationalism. Read the full interview: Q: Why is AOL refusing to pay the fine imposed by the NGT? A: We have already paid the fine. We have paid after protesting against it as our side of the argument was never heard. If you violate any law then it is fine. Court says that it is compensation and not a fine. It is a deposit and not a fine. Q: The matter will go to the Supreme Court? A: Hearing has not happened. I hope justice would prevail. Q: Does it undermine the work which AOL has undertaken? A: Not at all. We were the one which worked for mere dilli mere Yamuna. There were 10,000 volunteers who cleaned the Yamuna river. We would be the last people to pollute it. There are vested interests who want to rake up this issue. Q: Who are these vested interests? A: I don’t know. Q: Do you feel that you got targeted because you supported certain political personalities who had strong views on politics? A: Maybe but one thing for is sure that there are jealous people and they felt that we could take on the world. It was cultural Olympics. Naturally, some people wanted to stop it. Yamuna wasn’t the concern. They wanted to sabotage the programme which they couldn’t do in the end. Q: Why do you say that? A: They tried all means and kept calling up international dignitaries that they shouldn’t come. They sent a petition to the Prime Minister and the President asking them not to come. If they were so serious about Yamuna, just 100 meters from there encroachment exists and toxic material is being injected in the river. They weren’t happy with the idea of the event. Q: Was it that your views and ideas were different and didn’t jell with the pre-existing viewpoint? A: There are 2500 religious leaders from all faiths who were present. India is proud of it. Today we are getting calls from other countries to organise the event. In the four days, Delhi’s GDP grew by 40 per cent and 13 per cent tourists arrived that month. A lot of good things happened. There is a saying in Sanskrit that if you envision something big then hurdles will come up but we faced them all with great spirit and enthusiasm. Q: You are saying that these were little obstacles? A: Correct. Q: The Modi government is completing three years in power. How do you evaluate the government? A: This government (BJP) has boosted the image of the country everywhere in the world. People are taking notice of the country. There is tremendous faith in the people. There aren’t many scams and there is a nationalistic spirit which PM has re-enforced in the country which has appealed to the youth of the country. Q: But if you look at the political narrative, nationalism has divided the political narrative... A: Nationalism doesn’t mean that you question other people’s patriotism. Religion and nationalism are different and shouldn’t be mixed with religion. People of all faith are patriotic to this country. People who do anti-social activities don’t belong to one religion. Nationalism is not looked down in any country be it the US or any other country. Patriotism is held very high. Somehow in India for a couple of decades, if you are patriotic, the feeling is that you are sidelining people which is not correct and it should be done away with... Q: Has PM Modi tried to correct it? A: Yes, he has tried to correct it. He brought in the spirit of positive and inclusive nationalism. Q: How do you define positive nationalism? A: It includes all communities. All community people are coming together... Q: AOL was very active in 2014, has Modi made a difference in the North-East? A: We have worked with ULFA and other militants in the North-East. They were persuaded by us to join the mainstream. You should work at multiple levels. Inner wounds need to be healed. When it happens, healing takes place. The aim is to have economic growth... Q: Were you able to achieve this aim? A: We could do it and ensured that surrendered militants get re-integrated into society. We brought some back to the ashram too. Q: You are speaking about peace but India is seeing a lot of vigilantism violence and identity politics... A: This is not a new situation and an issue and it has been there for ages. Sepoy mutiny happened over identification of two animals. I would prefer the vigilantes to be vigilant against crime rather than over cows. There is so much crime against society and they should be vigilant against them. This effort is required. The police force alone cannot bring peace in society. The society must wake-up. Q: Then how do you ensure that in the name of cows people don’t target each other? A: These are few incidents in a big country like India. It should be treated like a crime and not as a cultural onslaught of one culture against the other. It is only a crime and shouldn’t be seen as onslaught approved by the majority. Q: So, you are saying that this projection is worrying? A: Correct Q: What is happening in Kashmir? A: It really pains me. I have been working with them for a long time. It really pains me. The youth is suffering. There is no leadership for them in the valley. The media in the valley is controlled by vested interests. It brings passion in them to go and rebel and destroy and it is being promoted and that is unfortunate. The youth should also feel integrated with the rest. The targeting of the youth creates a backlash in the valley. We have said that if someone targets you then you should contact us. From a narrow regional vision to a global vision would be helpful. Q: Can the problem of violence be resolved with political actors or does it require interfaith dialogue? A: Interfaith dialogue is required as religious leaders do have space in people’s life. They impact the people either in a positive or negative way. Q: Have you tried inter-faith dialogue when it comes to Kashmir? A: Yes, we have done that but we need to do it more. Q: How do you do it? India has very aggressive and a disturbed neighbourhood? A: The world over there is about extremism and we need to understand it. We have not invested in peace education either in schools or at home. We have not tackled issues of anger or greed. If the world can invest one per cent of what they invest in defence in peace education the world can be a much better place. Q: India also has its own issue like Ayodhya. Should the temple issue be decided by consensus or should it be a result of judicial pronouncement? A: Way back in 2003 I gave a proposal that it cannot be a matter for the court. It can be a gesture to each other. It can become a measure of goodwill. There are vested interests everywhere who block such initiatives. There can be give-and-take or else it will continue to be a thorn and a security challenge. Q: Are you saying that judicial decision instead of closing the issue can become a festering wound? A: In this one would lose the opportunity to lose goodwill to each other. But if it comes from the heart then it will become an opportunity to heal wounds. Q: How come you have not been able to realise this opportunity in India? A: Well, there were many political interferences and many wanted to take political mileage and time is right and I still have hope... Q: Can ever spirituality be divorced from politics? A: It cannot be divorced from anything. You need spirituality in everything. It uplifts the spirit. You need it in sports also. It is about basic ethics of life and how can politics be devoid of ethics. Q: You have spoken on women issues in the past. Today there is a raging debate on triple talaq. Do you think it requires reform? A: Reforms are required. Human rights should be the first thing to be attended to, women have rights. They have equal rights and these reforms must be brought in. There was a time music was barred by religion but later they made music part of their life. Pictures weren’t allowed too but came into use. What is required is timely transition. The values are eternal but practices differ and they need reform when they are out of date. Q: Then women should be allowed in Sabarimala as per your logic. Why not? A: There was a reason why they weren’t allowed under an age period. Now it needs to be looked into, it is something religious leaders need to consider. Q: Can there be a spiritually healthy life without renunciation? A: Yes, it can be done. We don’t ask people to renounce the world. To be spiritual doesn’t mean that you need to leave what you do. Q: What is the mantra? A: Work life balance. Meditation is the key. It changes the structure of the brain. It allows selfless service activity and keeps your mind sane. Q: You are saying that meditation would suffice? A: Yes. Like dental hygiene, it is mental hygiene. The simple formula is clarity of mind and heart. Q: You used the word depression? This country lacks a grid for mental health. Does your therapy work? A: A weak mind cannot carry a strong body but a strong mind can carry a weak body. You see this happening all over the world. There are twenty-five per cent people in Japan who commit suicide. Bengaluru cities witness many suicides. It manifests due to lack of self-confidence. Self-confidence helps you by building endurance... Watch the full interview on WION TV at 9pm (IST) on 13th May(Saturday) and 8pm on 14th May(Sunday) (WION)

Modi has brought inclusive nationalism: Sri Sri Ravishankar

India&#39;s National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday said that charges of a biased report on damage to the Yamuna riverbed leveled by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on them is &#39;shocking&#39;.

Speaking on the issue, the green panel slammed the Art of Living (AOL) and said that the organisation has no sense of responsibility.

&quot;You have no sense of responsibility. Do you think you have the liberty to say whatever you want?&quot; said the NGT to the Art Of Living (AOL).&nbsp;

The NGT bench asked the petitioner Manoj Mishra to file an application with details of the statement so that the court can take the issue on record.

The next date of hearing has been scheduled for May 9.

Earlier in the month, after the NGT stated that spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar&#39;s Art of Living (AOL) was responsible for destroying the Yamuna floodplain during the &#39;World Culture Festival&#39;, the foundation cried foul while terming it to be a &#39;conspiracy.&#39;

The foundation also asserted that its legal team will study the NGT report and decide on the future course of action.

&quot;The report has been leaked to the media once again even as we were getting hold of our copy. This was expected from them as their mala fide intentions to malign us, has been evident since the beginning,&quot; said Kedar Desai, the spokesperson of The Art of Living.

In a statement, Desai also said that the NGT&#39;s expert committee, which was supposed to be non-interested parties to the case and was to act as the eyes and ears of the judges, have given biased interviews in public while the case is sub-judice.

&quot;How come Shri CR Babu who is one of the senior-most members of the Committee gave a media interview maligning The Art of Living by concluding that WCF had caused damage even before any assessment was done. This shows bias beyond doubt,&quot; he added.

The NGT appointed Committee of Experts earlier found the AOL foundation responsible for destroying the entire Yamuna floodplain area used by the foundation for its event during the &#39;World Culture Festival&#39; earlier in March 2016.

The expert panel told the NGT that the rehabilitation of Yamuna floodplains destroyed by AOL&#39;s &#39;World Culture Festival&#39; will cost Rs. 13.29 crores and take almost 10 years.

The green panel had last year allowed the AOL to hold the three-day &#39; World Culture Festival&#39; on the Yamuna floodplains but following the event, the former slapped a fine of Rs. 5 crores as interim environment compensation on the foundation for damaging biodiversity of the ecologically sensitive floodplains.

(ANI)

An NGT appointed committee earlier found Sri Sri's foundation responsible for destroying the Yamuna floodplain used by the foundation for its ?'World Culture Festival' last year

India's National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday said that charges of a biased report on damage to the Yamuna riverbed leveled by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on them is 'shocking'. Speaking on the issue, the green panel slammed the Art of Living (AOL) and said that the organisation has no sense of responsibility. "You have no sense of responsibility. Do you think you have the liberty to say whatever you want?" said the NGT to the Art Of Living (AOL). The NGT bench asked the petitioner Manoj Mishra to file an application with details of the statement so that the court can take the issue on record. The next date of hearing has been scheduled for May 9. Earlier in the month, after the NGT stated that spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living (AOL) was responsible for destroying the Yamuna floodplain during the 'World Culture Festival', the foundation cried foul while terming it to be a 'conspiracy.' The foundation also asserted that its legal team will study the NGT report and decide on the future course of action. "The report has been leaked to the media once again even as we were getting hold of our copy. This was expected from them as their mala fide intentions to malign us, has been evident since the beginning," said Kedar Desai, the spokesperson of The Art of Living. In a statement, Desai also said that the NGT's expert committee, which was supposed to be non-interested parties to the case and was to act as the eyes and ears of the judges, have given biased interviews in public while the case is sub-judice. "How come Shri CR Babu who is one of the senior-most members of the Committee gave a media interview maligning The Art of Living by concluding that WCF had caused damage even before any assessment was done. This shows bias beyond doubt," he added. The NGT appointed Committee of Experts earlier found the AOL foundation responsible for destroying the entire Yamuna floodplain area used by the foundation for its event during the 'World Culture Festival' earlier in March 2016. The expert panel told the NGT that the rehabilitation of Yamuna floodplains destroyed by AOL's 'World Culture Festival' will cost Rs. 13.29 crores and take almost 10 years. The green panel had last year allowed the AOL to hold the three-day ' World Culture Festival' on the Yamuna floodplains but following the event, the former slapped a fine of Rs. 5 crores as interim environment compensation on the foundation for damaging biodiversity of the ecologically sensitive floodplains. (ANI)

India: NGT rebukes Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, says 'your organisation has no sense of responsibility'

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