Sri Sri’s cultural event allotted 2.5 cr by Ministry of Culture

Updated: Thursday, March 10, 2016, 11:22 [IST]

New Delhi, March 10: The union ministry of culture is said to have allotted Rs 2.5 crores to the event organised by the Art of Living foundation to be held at the eco-sensitive Yamuna floodplain.

According to media reports, the grant was assigned in the month of December to the Bengaluru-based Vyakti Vikas Kendra Trust, which has been set by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who is also the founder of Art of Living.

Culture minister Manish Sharma said,"There is a scheme of financial assistance given to cultural organisations with national presence. We have given similar grants to Spic Macay, Vidya Bharati Sanskriti Sansthan, and a number of other organisations."

Incidentally, Vidya Bharati Sanskriti Sansthan is affiliated to the Rastriya Swayam Sewak Sangh, which is BJP's ideological parent.

The minister further added that the money was not just for the World Culture Festival. "The quantum of grant could be up to Rs 5 crore under the scheme and they have been given Rs 2.5 crore," he said. However, inside reports say that the Rs 2.5 crore was meant only for the Delhi event that begins on March 11.

The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.