PM attends Sri Sri show, keeps mum on eco row

New Delhi, March 11

The controversial event on the floodplains of the Yamuna opened today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaping praise on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, saying he had "introduced" India to the world. He  made no reference to the raging row over environmental concerns surrounding it.

The three-day cultural extravaganza, attended by thousands of people and delegates from a number of countries, saw the PM 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," he said, praising Ravi Shankar's efforts in this regard.

Modi spent three hours at the event but did not make any reference to the controversy triggered by environmental activists accusing Ravi Shankar's Art of Living Foundation of destroying the Yamuna riverbed by erecting massive structures. 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a fine of Rs 5 crore on AOL, asking it to pay Rs 25 lakh right away and the rest in next three weeks. Ravi Shankar took a dig at his critics for describing the World Cultural Festival as his "private party" saying "obstacles" do come when something great is done. 

He made no reference to the problems AOL faced with the NGT.  — PTI