The scene outside Dr Ambedkar Airport in Nagpur on October 29 was frenzied. Dozens of volunteers dressed in white and sporting a pink head band were among the crowd that had converged to catch a glimpse of their revered Bangalore ke baba. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was to arrive on a much-anticipated visit to Vidarbha.
However, much to the disappointment of the waiting admirers, Sri Sri was whisked away from another airport exit.
The convoy of cars swelled during the 155 km journey to Yavatmal district in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region. Along the road, people waved and cheered - having waited for a darshan of their guruji.
This was Sri Sri's first visit to Yavatmal (second to Vidarbha). The reason: Art of Living, a non-governmental organisation founded by him, has been trying to address the psychological trauma and financial burden of the farmers in the region. He also participated in the three-day Kisan Sanjeevan Shivir (farmers' camp) organised in the district, with over 15,000 participants.
Reportage | Photographs: Vipin Vijayan
Image: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar blesses devotees after a prayer meet
Also read: Even a terrorist has human values: Sri Sri
Advertisement
