Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s security worries NRIs

Followers of spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar across the globe could not remain immune to the news of a bullet being fired at the ashram.

Disciples from overseas, mostly non-resident Indians (NRIs), have expressed regret at the Sunday evening incident at the Art of Living’s Kanakapura ashram. They are concerned about the spiritual guru’s safety and security.

“After the Sunday incident, we’re receiving a lot of messages from his devotees across the globe,” ashram spokesperson Charu said. “All of them have expressed shock at the incident. The followers are worried about his safety and security.”

Authorities maintain that the incident was not an attempt on the life of the Art of Living founder, but his followers see it as a bid to harm their leader.

“I can’t imagine why someone would want to harm him,” Tina Thakur told DNA over e-mail from Washington, where she is working as a creative writer. “He’s a peace-loving person, doing so many humanitarian works across the globe.”

Tina said that she attended Sri Sri’s drive for a ‘stress-free, violence-free America’ in 2007, at a programme in Washington to mark the Art of Living’s silver jubilee. She said she had visited the Bangalore ashram once during her last visit to India.

“After the incident, the ashram should be given foolproof security,” Mohini P, a resident and homemaker in London, said. Sri Sri should also be given extra security, she said.

Priya Kumar, who stays in Melbourne, said such an attack should be condemned. “Security of the entire place should be beefed up,” Priya, who has visited the Bangalore ashram thrice, said.

The Art of Living was founded as a non-profit organisation 28 years ago by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Today, it has its presence in 150 countries, and thousands of followers.