Sri Sri Ravishankar's sister says you can't change youth through violence, the answer is spiritual education

Bhanumathi Narasimhan, a key player in the Art of Living (AOL) movement in Bangalore and founder Sri Sri Ravishankar's sister, has condemned pub culture as "western" and "not natural to us". But, that doesn't mean she's supporting all the moral policing that's going on. "A wrong act can never be corrected through violent behavioru2026 We have no right over another's life or lifestyle."

On the eve of the Third International Women's Conference to be held at the AOL Foundation in Bangalore between February 6 and 8, Bhanumathi told MiD DAY the theme of the conference was Light of Leadership. The director of AOL's Women and Child Welfare programmes said they would discuss the role of the woman as a leader during the meet. Excerpts from the interview:u00a0


What is the objective behind the conference?
The vision is to bring together women from diverse backgrounds and beliefs and create a harmonious thread of friendship and belonging. The theme of our 3rd conference is the 'Light of Leadership: Integrating Global Perspectives'. I would say, today, more than ever, the world requires leadership that is compassionate, progressive, equal and responsible. Our aim is to bring out the role of women as leaders and share a vision of progress for the whole globe. This conference aims to highlight what women can achieve. It's a meeting of hearts and minds.

What are the projects being undertaken for uplifting women?
Sri Sri often says: "When you train a woman, you help the entire family, community and nation." Based on his direction, AOL focuses on empowering women by providing vocational training and life skills. Our programmes help to gain economic independence, instil confidence and inspire women to become leaders in their communities. The Youth Leadership Training Programmes and Rural Development Programmes have transformed the lives of thousands of women across the world. I am very happy to say that the outcomes are very inspiring.u00a0
Of course, a lot more needs to be done in this regard. But it is a clear beginning and will take shape in reviving our traditional culture of honoring women.

Do you think women's rights have improved in India and in the rest of the world?
It has definitely taken on a positive note. Now, women have woken up and are trying to revive our ancient culture where women were treated as devis and kumari poojas (honouring the girl child as a form of the mother divine). Many organisations have raised their voice against female foeticide,, asserting that the girl child is a boon, and not a bane to society.

What is AOL doing for women's rights?
As an outcome of the previous two international women's conferences, many awareness camps about women's rights were conducted. Spiritual leaders from across India pledged to spread awareness on female foeticide at an AOL conference. We encourage the education of the girl child through 86 free tribal and rural schools. I feel that whatever counselling you do is not enough. Measures like education and empowerment are more effective. We have an organisation called Vista (Value Integrated Services to All), which focuses on rural development and women's empowerment. Through empowerment projects, we encourage women to play an active role in social development. Empowerment, according to me, is not only economic independence; it is also instilling confidence and spiritual values.

There is much talk on discontinuing pub culture. What are your views on this?
u00a0Pub culture is new to me. Our generation had a different upbringing. I would say, this is western culture and is not natural to us.