Need harmonious solution on untimely Rath Yatra row: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Bhubaneswar: Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Tuesday emphasised the importance of a harmonious resolution over the controversy created by Iskcon's plan to hold untimely Rath Yatra in Houston that would satisfy all parties involved.
"I don't think there is a need for a debate on the issue. All concerned should sit together and find a solution," he said while interacting with journalists at Sri Sri University.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said Rath Yatra is a sentimental issue for the people of Odisha. "However, globally many celebrate festivals on Sundays. Diwali in the US is not celebrated on the day it falls. Even India's Independence is not celebrated on Aug 15 there. They celebrate these occasions on the nearest Sunday because they get a holiday," he said.
Iskcon initially planned to hold a Rath Yatra in Houston by pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings on Nov 9. It then organised Gour Nitai Sankirtan Yatra and pulled the chariots of Sri Krishna Balaram, Chaitanya and Nityananda following backlash from various quarters.
Regarding inflammatory political rhetoric, he said politicians often employ such tactics. However, he said that upon assuming office, every leader must govern inclusively. He cited examples of both President-elect Donald Trump in America and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India, noting that leadership requires uniting and representing all segments of society.
Stating the British conquered India and colonised it because Indians were not united, he said there must be unity in diversity for the country to prosper. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasised stress-free quality education of students for India to excel further. He said stress management is important for all sections. He said rising suicides are a huge concern for the entire world and not just India. "Sound mental health is important, for which one has to learn and practice techniques," he said.