Inaugurating the three-day World Culture Festival on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar saying he had “introduced” India to the world.

“India has the cultural heritage and richness which the whole world is looking for.

We can fulfil those needs... But it can only happen, if we take pride in our heritage,” he said while praising Ravi Shankar’s efforts.

Speaking on India’s diversity and what the country has to offer to the world, the Prime Minister said that with this spiritual medium, India has been connected with 155 countries of the world at an international level. “India, the nation with diverse culture has so many things which she can give to the world with pride, the world is not just connected with economic means, it can be connected on humanitarian values and India has that

richness in the culture which world is looking for,” said Modi who spent nearly two hours watching the performances at the event.

“When we face resistance in life, we will need Art of living; when we pursue our dreams, we need Art of living; and when we move from myself towards the common cause of us, we need Art of living,” he told a large gathering, including a large number of participants and dignitaries from various parts of the world.

Reacting to the controversy surrounding the World Culture Festival in Delhi, Modi said, “If we keep criticising ourselves, why would the world look at usIJ” He lauded Sri Sri for spreading his message to more than 155 countries and representing Indian culture on a world stage. Through Art of living the world has got to know about India, he added.

Sharing a light moment with Sri Sri, Modi said, “I want to tell you- keep smiling and face all challenges with courage.”

Recalling a reception hosted by ‘Art of living’ family in Mongolia, Modi said, “Once I was overwhelmed when I got a grand reception in Mongolia at an event organised by Art of living Foundation.”

“I belong to you all. Art of living is not a principle, it is a philosophy. It is a philosophy to find peace within one self and society that is an amalgamation of different culture, religion and nationality. The amount of love you give to the society, in return you get double of that,” Modi said, adding that the event is equivalent to “Kumbh fair”. “This event is Kumbh art fair where artistes from every State of India have performed together,” he said.

Praising the essence of Indian music, the Prime Minister said, “After listening the western music your body tremble, however, if we listen to Indian music , it wobble the soul and this is known as Art of living and this kind of music which enthralled your inner soul exists only in India. Indian music has varieties. Songs of early mornings are different from evenings.”

“When we surrender our ego, we connect ourselves with AOl, when we live our life for others and when we follow our dream with difficult path , we connect ourselves with Art of living,” he said. India has the power of AOl which attracts the world towards it and accomplish the meaning of “Vasudev Baktumbh (World is Unite ),” said PM Modi.