Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says no to tight security
Source: DNA
Bangalore: The founder of Art of Living is very clear he does not want to compromise on his freedom to mingle with ashram devotees. When talk of the need for tighter security for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar came up on Monday following a firing incident at the ashram on Sunday evening, in what has been perceived to be an attack on the Guru, he was clear that he wants no more security
“I don’t want any security. That will become like an obstacle between me and the people. The little time that I spend in India, I would like to mingle with people. That is why I don’t need any form of increased security,” he said while addressing the media at the ashram on Monday morning.
While no drastic or visible measures were taken to enhance security a few hours after the shooting incident at the ashram on Sunday, workers did report that the security personnel were more alert than usual.
Labourers who worked on the lawns and gardens of the ashram said their belongings —plastic bags carrying sickles, work clothes — were checked on Monday morning. “They usually don’t check these things. They did it only today. It was probably because of yesterday’s incident,” said a worker.
Security personnel who restrict visitors at a certain point inside the ashram, especially towards the residence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, carry with them a list of nine people who are blacklisted and restricted from entering the ashram. “These people are not allowed in the ashram. There have been complaints against them,” a security official said.
Authorities at the ashram hint that security measures may need to be enhanced for casual visitors from the city. After Sunday evening’s incident, authorities said all the ashramites were accounted for and there was no danger to the security of the ashram from its inmates.
“There are about 800 ashramites who stay on the campus,” said a spokesperson of the ashram. “There are people who attend courses and also stay on campus for the duration of the course. These people are registered. We have their details and photographs. But no such measures or procedures are in place for tourists or people who just attend satsangs occasionally. We may have to put something in place for this set of visitors,” the spokesperson, who did not want to be identified, said.
Security officials of the ashram will be on high alert and arrangements will be made to ensure there is no room for such incidents in future, especially during visits by international delegates and devotees.
“We will arrange for more security when the international devotees come here,” the spokesperson said. “About 2,000 to 5,000 international guests visit here every year during October and November. At that time, we will have to organise more security.”
There were no official statements from the police on providing special security or increasing security cover for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Bangalore: The founder of Art of Living is very clear he does not want to compromise on his freedom to mingle with ashram devotees. When talk of the need for tighter security for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar came up on Monday following a firing incident at the ashram on Sunday evening, in what has been perceived to be an attack on the Guru, he was clear that he wants no more security
“I don’t want any security. That will become like an obstacle between me and the people. The little time that I spend in India, I would like to mingle with people. That is why I don’t need any form of increased security,” he said while addressing the media at the ashram on Monday morning.
While no drastic or visible measures were taken to enhance security a few hours after the shooting incident at the ashram on Sunday, workers did report that the security personnel were more alert than usual.
Labourers who worked on the lawns and gardens of the ashram said their belongings —plastic bags carrying sickles, work clothes — were checked on Monday morning. “They usually don’t check these things. They did it only today. It was probably because of yesterday’s incident,” said a worker.
Security personnel who restrict visitors at a certain point inside the ashram, especially towards the residence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, carry with them a list of nine people who are blacklisted and restricted from entering the ashram. “These people are not allowed in the ashram. There have been complaints against them,” a security official said.
Authorities at the ashram hint that security measures may need to be enhanced for casual visitors from the city. After Sunday evening’s incident, authorities said all the ashramites were accounted for and there was no danger to the security of the ashram from its inmates.
“There are about 800 ashramites who stay on the campus,” said a spokesperson of the ashram. “There are people who attend courses and also stay on campus for the duration of the course. These people are registered. We have their details and photographs. But no such measures or procedures are in place for tourists or people who just attend satsangs occasionally. We may have to put something in place for this set of visitors,” the spokesperson, who did not want to be identified, said.
Security officials of the ashram will be on high alert and arrangements will be made to ensure there is no room for such incidents in future, especially during visits by international delegates and devotees.
“We will arrange for more security when the international devotees come here,” the spokesperson said. “About 2,000 to 5,000 international guests visit here every year during October and November. At that time, we will have to organise more security.”
There were no official statements from the police on providing special security or increasing security cover for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Comments