Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was left embarrassed on Saturday at the Paigham-e-Mohabbat’(message of love) function, according to reports, when the audience raised pro-azadi slogans and many left the venue immediately after the spiritual leader started his speech.
An unprecedented crowd of 11,000 dared many hurdles to come together for the event. #KashmirForPeace pic.twitter.com/FpXNdLTRXK
— Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) March 10, 2018
Locals gathered at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) lawns alleged that they did not know the godman was going to speak there. “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 Srinagar told PTI.
Another group claimed that they thought “a religious scholar would shed light on Islam. We were tricked by the organizers.” While yet others had gathered there in the belief that a Gujjar leader would announce something for the scheduled tribes, news reports add.
‘Paigam-e-Mohabbat’ is a unique event that brings together people, especially youth, from across Kashmir to foster peace and harmony in the Valley. #KashmirForPeace pic.twitter.com/u5Clmh2Lmr
— Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) March 10, 2018
Angry at being misled, a few locals spoke of the event as “yet another conspiracy of New Delhi to hoodwink the people of Kashmir.” Groups of people raised pro-freedom slogans before dispersing peacefully, forcing the religious leader to cut his speech short, reports said.
A group of students even alleged that they were promised cricket kits by the organizers.
Commenting on the event, Ravi Shankar reportedly 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, calling Kashmir the Switzerland of Asia.