The controversial World Cultural Festival opened on Friday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaping praise on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, saying he had “introduced” India to the world. Modi however, made no reference to the raging row over environmental concerns surrounding the event.
The three-day cultural extravaganza attended by thousands of people and delegates from a number of countries saw the Prime Minister telling Indians to be proud of their cultural heritage.
India has the cultural heritage and richness which the whole world is looking for. We can fulfil those needs... But it can only happen if we take pride in our heritage. If we keep cursing it, then why the world will look at us.Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation have been accused of destroying the river bed by erecting massive structures as lakhs of people are expected to participate.
The focus of Modi’s brief address was the promotion of Indian culture and heritage to an audience which comprised participants from UAE, Argentina, Pakistan, Nepal among other countries.
It is not that the world is connected by economic interests alone, it can also be connected through human values. It can be done, it should be done. India has the cultural heritage and richness which the whole world is looking for. We can fulfil those needs... But it can only happen if we take pride in our heritage. If we keep cursing it, then why the world will look at us.Narendra Modi
Emphasising the importance of the “soft power” of India’s’ cultural heritage, Modi recalled that the Art of Living Foundation had also organised an event during his visit to Mongolia where the residents of that country welcomed him carrying Indian flags.
Where the authority and power of the state do not reach, the soft power has a very big role to play at those places... when the power of art is looked at, then the inner strength of this nation comes out.Prime Minister Narendra Modi
At the event, which saw artists from a number of countries performing, Modi hailed Indian traditional music as one which appeals to the soul, unlike other ones whose impact is confined to the body.
In his address, Ravi Shankar took a dig at his critics for describing the World Cultural Festival as his “private party”, saying that “obstacles” do come when something great is done.
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