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GURGAON, INDIA - MARCH 7: Union Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu at the Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit at Leela Hotel, on March 7, 2016 in Gurgaon, India. 12 countries are participating in two-day investors' meet. The renewable energy sector has made business commitments worth Rs. 80,000 crore at the ongoing 'Happening Haryana' Investment Summit. (Photo by Abhinav Saha/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
NEW DELHI -- Asserting that the World Culture Festival by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living will bring glory to India, Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu said on Friday that the event must not be politicised as it celebrates diversity.
World Culture Festival by Art of Living will bring glory to India. let's not politicise this.
"World Culture Festival by Art of Living will bring glory to India. let's not politicise this. 36,000 artists participating in one event is in itself a record. Its a cultural event 2 celebrate diversity. Let's celebrate & join d festival," Naidu said in a series of tweets.
36000 artists participating in one event is in itself a record.Its a cultural event 2 celebrate diversity. Let's celebrate & join d festival
Reiterating the government's stand on the involvement of the Indian Army in the construction for the event, he added that an 'unnecessary fuss' was being created about the Army building pontoon bridges for the mega festival.
"Unnecessary fuss abt army building pontoon bridge. In earlier regimes, several instances like Kumbh Mela,Sankranti in Nashik, Army did the same," Naidu added.
Unnecessary fuss abt army building pontoon bridge.In earlier regimes,several instances like Kumbh Mela,Sankranti in Nashik,Army did the same
Earlier, Union Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad downplayed the Opposition's criticism over deployment of army for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's event and said this was not for the first time that the Indian soldiers were deployed in a cultural event.
"Allegations have been levelled that the Home Ministry is giving special assistance in organising Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's World Cultural event, but I would like to say this is not the first time Army is being deployed in a cultural event," Prasad told ANI.
Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal has warned the Art of Living (AOL) foundation that it has time till today to deposit a fine of Rs. five crore, failing which the law will take its own course.
However, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be attending the three-day 'World Culture Festival' being organised by the Art of Living Foundation beginning today.
Talking to ANI, he said that Prime Minister Modi would be attending the event and added that he has received a letter from President Pranab Mukherjee wishing good luck.
The Fateh Darwaza, An Indestructible Gateway(01 of09)
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The fort was last sieged by the Mughals after a traitor in the Aurangzeb army opened a side gate to the fort. Otherwise, it was impossible to penetrate. The Fateh Darwaza or Victory Gate has giant iron spikes that made it tough for elephants to ram through. The little alcoves above the gate contained hot oil that was poured on the animals to discourage entry. Step inside and clap your hands inside the archway dome, and it can be heard a kilometre away in the Bala Hissar pavilion -- this would be a form of warning when an enemy would approach. (credit:Eshaan Girri)
Shelves That Held The Queen's Perfume collection(02 of09)
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These dome shaped shelves housed the queen's perfume collection. This is just one cupboard out of the many that adorned the walls of the queen's bedroom. (credit:Eshaan Girri)
The Guest Waiting Room(03 of09)
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The fort is an acoustic marvel. Near the amphitheatre is situated the Hall of Whispers, where guests would be entertained by the ladies, and the sultan would be able to listen in on their quiet conversations from another room, as clearly as though he were present. (credit:Eshaan Girri)
The Queen's Terrace(04 of09)
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The queen's bedroom opens out to a terrace that was also connected to the king's quarters one floor above by a staircase. It is believed that the queen could see the king at his place of work from here. (credit:Eshaan Girri)
The Barracks(05 of09)
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The soldiers' barracks look grim by nature, possibly perfect for the hardy lot that composed the sultan's army. Men had to prove their strength by lifting an incredibly heavy block of iron in each hand to be enlisted in the king's army. (credit:Eshaan Girri)
Visitor's Lounge(06 of09)
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According to our guide, the visitors didn't know how to get inside the fort. There was a secret entrance through the masjid that the king would use and receive his visitors at the lounge. (credit:Eshaan Girri)
Prayer room(07 of09)
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Approximately 100 yards away from the queen's bedroom was a prayer room. The geometric pattern on the ceiling that is reflected throughout the building also played a role in the acoustic engineering of the fort. If one moved away from these patterns by a metre, the sound would get muffled. Otherwise, conversations or claps could be heard from here till the top of the hill quite clearly. (credit:Eshaan Girri)
Corridor To The King's Bedroom(08 of09)
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The staircase goes up to the king's quarters. The queen's rooms were situated a floor below. (credit:Eshaan Girri)
Intricate Artwork(09 of09)
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It is believed that the fort originally belonged to the Kakatiyas of Warangal, depicted by the art work that featured carvings in stucco of lions, peacocks, griffins and lotuses. This artwork featured on the gateway is a blend of Hindu – Muslim architecture. (credit:Eshaan Girri)
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