We are torn between 'slum India' and 'scam India': Sri Sri at Mangala Sandhya

Mangalore, February 16: People should join hands cutting across religious and caste-based divide to eradicate corruption from the country, said renowned spiritual guru and founder of the Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

He was addressing thousands of his fans and followers gathered at the 'Mangala Sandhya' held at Mangala Stadium on Wednesday evening.

After convincing his followers about the importance of meditation, devotion and spirituality in human life, Mr Ravi Shankar, repeatedly reiterated the need of popular struggle against all types of corruptions and filthiness.

“We are torn between 'slum India' and 'scam India'”, he said adding that “a 'spiritual India' should overcome slum and scam India”.

Although a top producer of rice, wheat and milk, India had many who are starving and farmers of this country were struggling, he said. “Corruption is the main reason for this situation,” he added.

Swachcha Mangalore

Mr Ravi Shankar also launched Swachcha Mangalore programme and called upon his large number of followers in this coastal city to dedicate at least a couple of hours in the next two Sundays to clean the city.

“The city of Mangalore will shine like anything if all the participants of this huge gathering came forward to give at least a couple of hours to for cleaning drive in the next two Sundays,” he said.

Power of mediation

In his 45 minute talk in Kannada, Mr Ravi Shankar touched upon various issues related to spirituality, which according to him, went beyond his routine talks.

He said through meditation, one can gain the power of achieving what he wanted. “You have to reach the state of a child to see god to keep your mind pure and unpolluted,” he said.

Life is beautiful

He called upon the people to enjoy the life saying that “life is very beautiful thing and one should not waste it by neglecting its beauty.

He also urged the gathering to love all human beings leaving behind differences of religion and caste and live together.

Yakshagana and Purulia Chhao

The programme commenced with a set of devotional songs, which was followed by a short presentation of Yakshagana and Purulia Chhao folk art forms by students of Alva's College, Moodbidri. Mr Ravi Shankar whole heartedly appreciated both the presentation.

After the speech, the spiritual guru took the audience to a 20 minute long meditation exercise.