Satyameva Jayate

Conjectures, Compensation & Vindication: Art of Living’s WCF vs. NGT’s Flop Show

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A maxi post, actually too small considering my standard and what is really on my mind which would be unparliamentary to express it

When Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji and Art of Living announced World Culture Festival in March 2016, it brought together over 3.75 million people from 155 countries on Yamuna bank in Delhi. It was an unprecedented gathering of global unity, peace, and harmony to celebrate 35 years of humanitarian service.

Yet, almost instantly, a group of obstructionist activists, vested interests, and pliable media outlets launched campaign to smear event and defame Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. Armed with unfounded allegations, they claimed that temporary event caused catastrophic environmental damage to Yamuna floodplains.

What followed was saga of regulatory overreach, unscientific claims, and institutional bias, culminating in total vindication when Supreme Court stepped in to uphold justice.

Anatomy of Calculated Smear Campaign

Narrative against World Culture Festival was built not on scientific methodology, but on sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. Activists and certain media outlets pushed doom and gloom narrative, claiming that floodplains were permanently destroyed.

When National Green Tribunal (NGT) set up (a suspect) Expert Committee to assess site, irregularities became undeniable. Initial claim that event caused 120 crore rupees in irreversible damage was made without any baseline scientific studies, soil testing, or formal measurements.

Chairman of Expert Committee and Water Resources Secretary Shashi Shekhar later admitted in letter to NGT that 120 crore rupees figure was merely tentative and spontaneous suggestion that became elevated to recommendation due to inadvertent mistake. As independent satellite imageries proved that no natural wetlands existed at event site prior to 2016, committee drastically revised damage figures downward from 120 crore rupees to 13.29 crore rupees, changing its stance from permanent destruction to rehabilitation within 10 years.

Despite these glaring contradictions, Art of Living was forced to deposit environmental compensation amount under protest to ensure event proceeded without disruption.

Pictures and Facts Show Real Story

Claims of environmental destruction fell apart when subjected to empirical data. Independent satellite imagery dating from 2000 through 2016 and official Survey of India maps confirmed several critical facts.

Site used for World Culture Festival had no natural wetland or water body to begin with. It was agricultural land and dry plain long before 2016. Art of Living constructed temporary pontoon bridges which were dismantled immediately after event, alongside temporary eco-friendly seating. No paved roads or permanent concrete foundations were laid on floodplains.

Yamuna’s toxic state was result of decades of industrial discharge and untreated sewage. Blaming three day cultural festival for long standing ecological neglect was transparent attempt to scapegoat world renowned spiritual organization. Ironically, Art of Living had already been working actively to clean and rejuvenate rivers across India, including Yamuna itself in 2010 long before these activists took interest in riverbank.

Pattern of Targeted Overreach

Bias was not limited to Delhi event. Similar pattern emerged in Kolkata, where NGT and East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority arbitrarily ordered demolition of Vaidic Dharma Sansthan Trust’s Temple of Knowledge building without even serving notice to trust.

While hundreds of commercial structures, private projects, and government flyovers were permitted on wetlands, non-profit educational building that strictly complied with all land use and municipal norms was selectively targeted.

Supreme Court Verdict and Final Vindication

Lies or Incompetence Never ages well – NGT exposed

Truth may be delayed, but it cannot be defeated. When matter reached Supreme Court of India, legal edifice built on conjectures, media trial, and flawed committee reports fell apart completely.

Recognizing lack of scientific evidence and procedural unfairness of demands imposed on Art of Living, Supreme Court ordered that deposit made under protest be returned to organization. Supreme Court order served as decisive rejection of narrative spun by vested interests.

It confirmed that allegations of permanent destruction were grounded in speculation rather than scientific truth. Returning money deposited under protest acknowledged that Art of Living was wrongfully penalized, fully restoring honor and integrity of Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji and Art of Living in eyes of law. Ultimately, noise of conjectures and lies faded, leaving behind enduring truth of Satyameva Jayate.

Detailed Observations of Supreme Court

Supreme Court of India set aside National Green Tribunal order holding Art of Living Foundation responsible for environmental damage on Yamuna floodplain. Top court directed Delhi Development Authority to refund entire five crore deposit given under protest within four weeks. Decision stands as complete vindication for Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji and millions of volunteers across world. Entire campaign alleging ecological devastation was based on lies, conjectures and selective outrage.

Conjectures and Speculation Exposed

Apex court bench observed that claims of permanent environmental damage lacked solid evidence. Court noted that National Green Tribunal failed to consider existing condition of site which was already littered with construction waste and debris before event setup. Further, no baseline scientific data was gathered to prove net environmental harm caused by three day event. Arbitrary visual estimations were used to demand hefty fines without scientific methodology. Pujya Gurudev always maintained that organisation brought international attention and positive care to river which was neglected for decades.

Refund of Security Deposit

When five crore penalty was imposed in 2016, Art of Living paid sum under protest while reserving right to seek legal remedies. Foundation maintained clean record and refused to accept wrongful guilt. Supreme Court order instructing full refund clears organisation of false allegations and restores truth.

Legacy of World Culture Festival

World Culture Festival brought together over three million participants and thousands of global leaders to promote peace and harmony. Event showcased rich Indian heritage on global stage. Unfair media trials and activist propaganda attempted to tarnish noble work, but ultimate judicial verdict proved that truth always prevails – Satyameva Jayate

Institutional Reality of NGT

This entire saga exposes broader fundamental issue with National Green Tribunal. NGT has reduced itself to redundant administrative entity, operating with minimal accountability while routinely substituting sound scientific rigor with guesswork. Rather than serving authentic environmental conservation, tribunal has largely functioned as post-retirement rehabilitation center for former judges and favored bureaucrats close to establishment. When regulatory forum bypasses basic principles of natural justice, relies on unverified committee estimates, and ignores actual empirical facts, it loses credibility as forum for justice. Whole WCF episode remains stark reminder that institutional overreach built on conjectures will eventually crumble when tested in highest courts of land.

Personal Reflection: Words That Defined Victory

With despair, I still remember the glee with which Rajdeep Sardesai, Zakka Jacob kept posting when it began raining just before the event, little knowing that it was nature washing them off. It did not take long for the nature to present us, the now famous World Culture Festival Rainbow. Meeting that wannabe Vimlendu Jha with handful of so called whole of Delhi protestors. In fact, I offered to hold a placard on his behalf since he had more of it than people.

And wait for a somersault
Now he began sucking up – He remembered the #CNNIBNLies Episode

Post event, after spending entire time inside war room watching the onslaught of media trials and legal battles with despair, I had opportunity to be in discussion with Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji in Ganga just before Satsang. Having lived through intense stress and emotional turmoil of entire WCF episode, I could not help but get emotional describing everything that had transpired.

Famous WCF Rainbow

Gurudev listened calmly, offering His customary serene smile, warm hug, and gentle pat on back. His words in that heavy moment put everything into perspective:

“Remember, world owes nothing to us, even if we have done most useful and best thing to world. In entire episode, barring a few expected obstructionists, not a single person accused us of any malafides. Consider that itself as victory. Stay strong and don’t get despondent or despair, Rest assured, we will win. Every single paisa paid under protest will be returned to us. Now, get back to work, bring smile on your face and bring it on everyone around you.”

Looking back today, after Supreme Court ordered return of deposit, those words stand as prophecy fulfilled. Beyond legal victory, it was lesson in grace under pressure, unwavering faith, and ultimate triumph of truth. Jai Gurudev.

My Earlier Articles calling NGT bluff

(It is listed in Reverse order of publication)

NGT – Not Good Try Again
Phas gaye re NGT – #TruthWillPrevail
Pictures & Facts Don’t Lie – #WCF2016
PALS and Art of Living – Part 2
PALS and Art of Living – Part 1
NGT Committee as (Im)Perfect Weapon
WCF (W)ith (C)ompliments (F)rom – India
Part of Ecology – Protect, Preserve & Conserve – Part 2
Critic or Profiteering – For Anti WCF Brigade – Part 1

Jai Gurudev! Satyameva Jayate

For those interested in legal summary of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s Judgement on 22nd August 2026

The Supreme Court of India set aside the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) 2017 judgment that held Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (Art of Living) liable for environmental damage to the Yamuna floodplains during the 2016 World Culture Festival.

Key Case Details

  • Case: Vyakti Vikas Kendra India v. Manoj Misra (Dead) & Ors. (Civil Appeal No. 683 of 2018)
  • Bench: Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh
  • Date of Judgment: August 22, 2026

Core Findings of the Supreme Court

  • Lack of Causal Link: The Court observed that the NGT failed to establish a direct link between the event organized by the appellant and the alleged environmental degradation.
  • Pre-Existing Damage: Substantial evidence and prior reports established that the Yamuna floodplain was already severely damaged, degraded, and littered with construction debris well before the land was handed over for the event.
  • Flawed NGT Proceedings: The NGT relied heavily on an interim visual inspection and satellite images without properly evaluating counter-evidence. The Court noted that the NGT erroneously treated its interim findings as final, denying the appellant a fair chance to contest them.
  • Restoration vs. Rehabilitation: The NGT exceeded its statutory jurisdiction under Section 15 of the NGT Act by demanding complete “rehabilitation” and forcing the appellant to fund long-term development (such as a Biodiversity Park), rather than limiting its scope to “restoration” to the site’s pre-event condition.
  • No-Fault Liability Misapplied: The Court held that principles like “polluter pays” or “no-fault liability” cannot be applied without proving that real, attributable damage was caused by the party in question.

Final Directions

  • Judicial Relief: The NGT judgment dated December 7, 2017, and all consequential actions against the appellant were set aside.
  • Refund of Deposit: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) was directed to refund the ₹5 crore environmental compensation deposited by the appellant within four weeks.
  • DDA’s Role: While criticizing the DDA for granting permissions without proper caution, the Court reiterated that the responsibility for overall rehabilitation and ecological maintenance of the Yamuna floodplains remains solely with the DDA as per earlier judicial directions.

Below is the Final Judgement/Order

NGT-VVKI Judgement 22-Aug-2026Download

Satyameva Jayate: Truth Alone Triumphs

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Reproducing verbatim: Narendra Modi- ji blog  from http://www.narendramodi.in/satyameva-jayate-truth-alone-triumphs/  which is current facing some technical difficulties.

Author: Narendra Modi

December 27, 2013

My dear sisters and brothers,

The law of nature is that Truth alone triumphs – Satyameva Jayate. Our judiciary having spoken, I felt it important to share my inner thoughts and feelings with the nation at large.

The end brings back memories of the beginning. The devastating earthquake of 2001 had plunged Gujarat into the gloom of death, destruction and sheer helplessness. Hundreds of lives were lost. Lakhs were rendered homeless. Entire livelihoods were destroyed. In such traumatic times of unimaginable suffering, I was given the responsibility to soothe and rebuild. And we had whole heartedly plunged ourselves into the challenge at hand.

Within a mere five months however, the mindless violence of 2002 had dealt us another unexpected blow. Innocents were killed. Families rendered helpless. Property built through years of toil destroyed. Still struggling to get back on its feet from the natural devastation, this was a crippling blow to an already shattered and hurting Gujarat.

I was shaken to the core. ‘Grief’, ‘Sadness’, ‘Misery’, ‘Pain’, ‘Anguish’, ‘Agony’ – mere words could not capture the absolute emptiness one felt on witnessing such inhumanity.

On one side was the pain of the victims of the earthquake, and on the other the pain of the victims of the riots. In decisively confronting this great turmoil, I had to single-mindedly focus all the strength given to me by the almighty, on the task of peace, justice and rehabilitation; burying the pain and agony I was personally wracked with.

During those challenging times, I often recollected the wisdom in our scriptures; explaining how those seating in positions of power did not have the right to share their own pain and anguish. They had to suffer it in solitude. I lived through the same,experiencing this anguish in searingly sharp intensity. In fact, whenever I remember those agonizing days, I have only one earnest prayer to God. That never again should such cruelly unfortunate days come in the lives of any other person, society, state or nation.

This is the first time I am sharing the harrowing ordeal I had gone through in those days at a personal level.

However, it was from these very built up emotions that I had appealed to the people of Gujarat on the day of the Godhra train burning itself; fervently urging for peace and restraint to ensure lives of innocents were not put at risk. I had repeatedly reiterated the same principles in my daily interactions with the media in those fateful days of February-March 2002 as well; publically underlining the political will as well as moral responsibility of the government to ensure peace, deliver justice and punish all guilty of violence. You will also find these deep emotions in my recent words at my Sadbhavana fasts, where I had emphasized how such deplorable incidents did not behove a civilized society and had pained me deeply.

In fact, my emphasis has always been on developing and emphasizing a spirit of unity; with the now widely used concept of ‘my 5 crore Gujarati brothers and sisters’ having crystallised right at the beginning of my tenure as CM itself from this very space.

However, as if all the suffering was not enough, I was also accused of the death and misery of my own loved ones, my Gujarati brothers and sisters. Can you imagine the inner turmoil and shock of being blamed for the very events that have shattered you!

For so many years, they incessantly kept up their attack, leaving no stone unturned. What pained even more was that in their overzealousness to hit at me for their narrow personal and political ends, they ended up maligning my entire state and country. This heartlessly kept reopening the wounds that we were sincerely trying to heal. It ironically also delayed the very justice that these people claimed to be fighting for. Maybe they did not realize how much suffering they were adding to an already pained people.

Gujarat however had decided its own path. We chose peace over violence. We chose unity over divisiveness. We chose goodwill over hatred. This was not easy, but we were determined to commit for the long haul. From a life of daily uncertainty and fear; my Gujarat transformed into one of Shanti, Ekta and Sadbhavana. I stand a satisfied and reassured man today. And for this, I credit each and every Gujarati.

The Gujarat Government had responded to the violence more swiftly and decisively than ever done before in any previous riots in the country. Yesterday’s judgement culminated a process of unprecedented scrutiny closely monitored by the highest court of the land, the Honourable Supreme Court of India. Gujarat’s 12 years of trial by the fire have finally drawn to an end. I feel liberated and at peace.

I am truly grateful to all those who stood by me in these trying times; seeing through the facade of lies and deceit. With this cloud of misinformation firmly dispelled, I will now also hope that the many others out there trying to understand and connect with the real Narendra Modi would feel more empowered to do so.

Those who derive satisfaction by perpetuating pain in others will probably not stop their tirade against me. I do not expect them to. But, I pray in all humility, that they at least now stop irresponsibly maligning the 6 crore people of Gujarat.

Emerging from this journey of pain and agony; I pray to God that no bitterness seeps into my heart. I sincerely do not see this judgement as a personal victory or defeat, and urge all – my friends and especially my opponents – to not do so as well. I was driven by this same principle at the time of the Honourable Supreme Court’s 2011 judgement on this matter. I fasted 37 days for Sadbhavana, choosing to translate the positive judgement into constructive action, reinforcing Unity and Sadbhavana in society at large.

I am deeply convinced that the future of any society, state or country lies in harmony. This is the only foundation on which progress and prosperity can be built. Therefore, I urge one and all to join hands in working towards the same, ensuring smiles on each and every face.

Once again, Satyameva Jayate!

Vande Mataram!

Narendra Modi

My Man of the Year (And the Future)

Ensures9 Comments

Reams of Newsprint has been expended, Hours (or calendars) of Airtime broadcast, Terra bytes of data uploaded maligning this person, notwithstanding the fact that Court write thousands of files with orders absolving him of any complicity. Why should it stop? A whole new industry was spawned, mothered by “The Family” and their cronies who saw biggest danger for their very existence and “Joyful” living at our cost, in this man who has been called all kinds of names. This industry thrived for 11 years on sustained barrage of attack against a “Constitutionally” elected leader of the most progressive state, not just this time but 3 more times, an industry that consisted of Media, NGOs and “Bought-out” Officers of the same regime, with carrots of power and lucre dangled in front of them.

But then good times (just like bad times for some) doesn’t last. The Empire is surely crumbling – the carefully nurtured, cosy nest is now stirred by Karma. Truth Triumphs we say yes, Satyameva Jayate. Cobwebs of lies however thick or dense gets cleared.

He,  a man who on 143rd day of assuming office faces managing a daunting situation as a result of “deliberate” burning to death of passengers on a train.

He “who was refused assistance” by neighboring states (co-incidentally all ruled by his opponents) when he sought augmentation of the security forces – even there, lies were being spread, check exhibits at the end of this piece. What these cronies forget – once you get something up on the web, sticky place that web is always retains traces (and trails). Army was called in shortest possible time (in fact faster than other places where rioting is the norm than exception)

He, who brought a this disastrous situation under control admirably (not my words, courts after courts vindicated and appreciated his stand) within 3 days and after that day in March 2002 this state under his watch never, yes never saw a communal incident/riot, or a terrorist act.

He, a people’s man, against whom shameless elected members of this great Nation Petitioned a a Foreign President, But he rebuffed an attempt by that Government’s representatives when they called on him refusing an appointment because he stood by our diplomat who was insulted in that country.

He, who on a trip abroad, defended the CM of a state ruled by his opponent party which saw inept handling of a automobile manufacturer plant crisis.

He, the leader of a state whose Progress and Development story were dissected to the minutest details and taken potshots at while foreign powers saw benefits – political, economical and strategic –  of engaging with a Progressive and Visionary for mutual benefits

He is the Dictator, He is Maut Ka Saudagar, He is the Man who comes riding a Horse to solve all problems, He is a murderer, He reminded EnglishPanini of Hitler, He supervised Pogrom, He presided over the Holocaust, He is Communal, He is a liar, His Development Stories are all fake, He is plain lucky, He is all rhetoric, He is one who faces a setback no matter what happens anywhere, He is divisive….. and so on

He is Narendra Modi – the Prime Minister Designate and a Leader who made this whole industry spawned by CONgress and their cronies redundant. Main Stream Media was simply ignored &  He reached out to people directly through the Media of the future – The Social Media. He sets the agenda of discussion for weeks and months together for the opposition and the Media. He overcame all the obstacles erected, and led the state to greater progress by the day – where he instilled (or restored?)  “Asmita” of this enterprising populace. Everyone was proud to be a Gujarati or happy to do something with Gujarat. Proved that “Anything” is possible, a state where development was not only done, but impacted day to day life of “you” and “me” A state where even staunch opponent, Congress/Communists sent representative to study and emulate. That is what this Man realized with all the challenges thrown around him. He is manifestation of that famous saying  Build a wall using Bricks thrown at you. The Man for whom people are ready to pay and listen too (in the land where truckloads are paid and brought as audience), and here is the the Man who incidentally inspires Hashtags on Social Media  too

Dangerous because his Vande Mataram Reverberates
Dangerous because his Vande Mataram Reverberates

He is the person who was thought dangerous by an Opposition leader because – He is fiercely Ideological, he is Incorruptible and He is too Nationalistic. He rouses millions of people with his call of Bharat Mata ki Jai, His Vande Mataram reverberates so dangerously shaking the foundation of Secularism (sic) said this so called opponent. Yes, it is on record. These qualities make Narendra Modi dangerous and hence have to be very careful about him, said this Honorable CONgressman.

After a day when a Metropolitan court absolved him (the last case) – Check Time line of Sri Vijay on Twitter dated 26th December for amazing facts on the entire legal process where Modi triumphed all adversities.

Bharat Mata Ki Jai - Victory to India - Satyameva Jayate
Bharat Mata Ki Jai – Victory to India – Satyameva Jayate

While there check out on the Teesta Setalvad misdeeds who made a fortune lying and fronting against Narendra Modi for 11 long years. Someone who had vamoosed for long suddenly surfaced 2 days ago in fond hope that the court order would favour her. She has been most fiercely vocal (& vicious) peddling lies, making witnesses issue false statements and the last straw for a drowning activist Zakia Jafri, the hapless widow whose personal tragedy she tried to milk fell apart. To demystify her persona and bust her lies, you only need to search on Google for – Kasuar Banu, Zaheera Sheikh, Rais Khan Pathan, Gulbarg funds misappropriation.

Also check this piece on Dharmanext on Teesta Setalvad – RB Sreekumar nexus

And here is what the Court Jester of CONgress party Digvijaya Singh lied through his teeth

DigvijayaLying-MPLetterToGujaratRiots

Is this a piece of a sycophant! Oh yes! By all means Judge this piece any which way. I am Proud of having written this tribute to my Man of the Future, My Man for India, My Man for all Right Reasons.

Pranams Sri Narendra Modi ji

Finally Inspired by this Man… I took the plunge for the first ever time in my life. A Membership

My Plunge - Finally
My Plunge – Finally