I am surprised at the criticism of the Army for building bridges for the Art of Living event in Delhi. The pamphlet on Aid to Civil Authority clearly specifies this as any other type of assistance. Under this we have been building bridges in all Kumbh melas for years- including under Congress rule. The aim is to ensure security of our people in such mass gatherings and facilitate the holding of such mass cultural events. I saw the World Culture Festival function and thought this was a nice carnival in which over 150 countries attended. National prestige was involved. So what was the harm if the army provided assistance totally admissible under the rules?
Security is a consideration when so many top leaders- including foreign dignitaries- are coming. So everything can’t be given to civil organizations whose labor force may have problems of reliability. The Art of Living is an organization that has done India proud- so why this antipathy if it does something good for Indian tourism and organizes a grand function as a carnival for the people of Delhi and a showcase of our talent and organizing abilities It was earlier held in Germany and so many countries were vying to host this event. It is amazing that some people in India have exhibited so much venom and antipathy to such a fine event designed to showcase the oneness of all humanity in keeping with our Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam ideal. I can’t understand the venom being spewed against this organization. To show our secularism, we are required to kick anything that even remotely smells of Hinduism? Is that the point? The markedly anti-Hindu and anti- Indian bias of some people was clearly shown up in the strident and clearly orchestrated opposition to this excellent event.
Written by Maj. Gen. (Dr.) G D Bakshi.
