Unified action against violence: Ravi Shankar

Mumbai, Nov 21: Spiritual guru Ravi Shankar has urged the people to counter terrorism not through guns but through spirituality.

Inaugurating a conference 'A World Without Terrorism' organised by the Foundation Against Continuing Terrorism (FACT) here yesterday, Shankar said, ''We must all unite and see what we can do to counter terrorism, educate people and bring to notice what is happening in our world.'' Terrorists are people who have been misguided, he said and added that terrorism could be countered not through guns but through spirituality. He said every child should be taught lessons in human values.

Addressing the Bangladeshi delegates at the conference, Ravi Shankar said, Indians take pride in their secular spirit and human values. ''We need to spread the message to different parts of the world. We will do anything to help them,'' Ravi Shankar said.

Calling for a strong stand against terrorism, senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde said, ''Terrorism is the most serious issue of the 21st century.'' He said terrorists should not be shown any mercy and that strict laws should be implemented. ''Justice delayed is justice denied. We should have fast track courts to deal with terrorists,'' he added.

D R Kaarthikeyan, former director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), said, ''Only spirituality will liberate terrorism.'' Urging the audience to counter terrorism, he said, ''Ethical values in business can make people socially responsible.'' FACT convenor Francois Gautier said the conference was a reminder of the aspects of terrorism. Other speakers included terrorism experts like K P S Gill, Brahma Chellaney, B Raman and Balbir Punj as well as delegates from Bangladesh and Kashmiri Pandits leader and filmmaker Ashok Pandit.

UNI