In Pics: Sri Sri Ravishankar’s AOL event

The art of living event to take place near the Yamuna river drew severe flak for its environmentally degrading features. The harm that is done to the river and the surroundings is irreparable. Climate change is already a burning issue. Seeing this many activists and NGT too drew attention towards the severity of the issue. The cultural extravaganza in the form of Sri Sri Ravishankar’s World Culture Festival kicked off despite ‘hurdles’, as said by Sri Sri in maiden speech at the event.

Seen as one of its kind event, the festival offers a platform for spiritual and religious leaders, politicians, business leaders, peacemakers and artists to spread the message of global peace and harmony in diversity.

Sri Sri Ravishankar felicitate PM Narendra Modi.

Classical dance performance at the event.

The event here has been embroiled in controversy after environmentalists alleged that its preparations have damaged the ecology of Yamuna flood plains and demanded that it be stopped.