Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Sunday praised the transformation witnessed in India over the last decade, saying the country had acquired a “new identity” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Dhyan Mandir at the The Art of Living Foundation International Centre in Bengaluru, the spiritual leader said India had become cleaner, safer and more confident over the years.
Referring to initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and efforts to eliminate red terror, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said India had strengthened its global identity while improving lives and livelihoods at the grassroots level.
“India today is cleaner, more beautiful, safer and more peaceful,” he said, adding that foreign powers once doubted India’s ability to bring about large-scale change, but the country had now emerged as a nation that believes in giving rather than receiving.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Dhyan Mandir as part of the Art of Living Foundation’s 45th anniversary celebrations and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s 70th birthday events. The programme witnessed the presence of several spiritual leaders and dignitaries.
Praising the Modi government for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said Shri Ram had spent years in a tent before the government removed obstacles and facilitated the building of a grand temple.
He also commended the Prime Minister for promoting India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” on the global stage and said PM Modi had positively impacted crores of Indians.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi extended birthday greetings to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and expressed hope that he would be present during the spiritual leader’s centenary celebrations in the future.
