Fusion of culture marks glittering end to AOL fest

The audiences stood transfixed as global leaders spoke on service to humanity, spirituality and values. 

The three-day festival, which concluded on Sunday, depicted harmonious co-existence and celebration of diversity by bringing together people from across the world on a single platform.

People came in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the cultural extravaganza. The audience swtiched on their mobile phones’ cameras to capture the view of the grand occasion. “We have come to see cultural dances and musical performances of various artistes, which is the biggest way to showcase the cultural harmony. Also, today is the last day of the festival” said Dinesh Sharma, a resident of Sarita Vihar.

A massive delegation of national and international public figures attended the occasion. Among the dignitaries present on the concluding day were Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Urban Development Minister Venaikah Naidu, BJP national president Amit Shah, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. 

Former Prime minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik, Member of Parliament of Germany Geoffrey Van Orden, President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe and Former Prime Minister of Slovenia HE Peterle were also present.

Last Friday, the festival had begun with the strains of the Naadaswaram as dignitaries from across the world were welcomed on stage. 

Sixty artists from the New Zealand and 125 danseuses from Mongolia regaled the audience with their performance. About 125 Artists from Nepal also danced to Himalayan folk songs. 

As per reports, British PM David Cameron has invited Sri Sri to speak at the British parliament, House of Commons, when he visits the UK. He sent his message through British Conservative Party politician and the Member of Parliament for Hendon in North London Mathew Offord. In the message, he said: “People say no one can change the world, but Sri Sri had made a good start. We are seeing a ray of hope”.