Mumbai: Claiming that the controversy surrounding VHP's 'Ghar Wapsi' programme was "political in nature and confined only to Parliament", spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Saturday advocated for a law to ban conversion.
"Conversions should not happen in any religion. There are many instances of conversion through allurements. That should also stop and a law should be enacted for this purpose," he said at a press conference here.
To a question on the recent spate of controversial comments aimed at religious polarisation, Ravi Shankar said such comments are made by those who understand psyche of journalists. "To create a controversy is a way to establish themselves," he said.
On the controversy over the film 'PK', the Art of Living founder said he did not take the film seriously. "The freedom in Hindu religion is such that some elements tend to misuse it. We need to alert people about them. But one can't put everyone in the same basket. We also need to highlight good points like the progressive vision of the Hindu religion," he said.
"These days, in films a character with tilak on his forehead and a mala around the neck is portrayed as villain. We need to change the mindset in order to avoid prejudices in mind of the viewers," he said.
To a question about Delhi Assembly polls and AAP leader
Arvind Kejriwal, Ravi Shankar said he had stated earlier that Kejriwal made a mistake by resigning as the Chief Minister and refused to predict outcome of the coming elections.
To a question about the performance of the Narendra Modi government, he said it should be assessed after two years in power, but so far the government was performing well.
About his views on the right wing ideology of those in power at the Centre now, he said, "When the right comes to the Centre, it is no longer right."
Ravi Shankar praised the "Make In India" campaign, saying that it can take India to the next level and counter the threat from China.
He also said despite border tensions with Pakistan, dialogue was necessary.
He said his Art of Living Foundation has set up trauma relief and meditation centres all over France after the recent terror incidents.
"There is a lot of fear and anger among the people and need of the hour is to control them. There should be no reaction to violent incidents because nobody will benefit," he said.
Asked about his nomination by Modi for 'Swachch Bharat' campaign, he said he has been associated with the Clean India Movement since 2007. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, Art of Living Foundation has been involved in working on revival of rivers, de-addiction, etc., he said.
