Patna, Feb. 23: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was given a task in Nitish Kumar’s Bihar today: transform Naxalite-affected Jehanabad into a “peace-loving” place.

A few minutes after the Art of Living guru, in his address to members of the two Houses of Bihar, narrated how his foundation had once made members of “arch-enemies CPI-ML and Ranbir Sena become friends and play Holi in Rishikesh”, he learnt about the “Jehanabad task” from JD(U) legislator Jagdish Sharma, who represents Ghoshi in the district.

Sharma requested Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to “adopt” youths of Jehanabad and run a training session to transform them. “Just as you claim to have put some unemployed Karnataka youths on the path of self-employment, please do something about my Jehanabad as well,” he requested. “We want a formula for peace and amity there.”

Reacting to the unusual plea, the guru said: “We can make it happen with the support of leaders.”

Addressing MLAs and MLCs here this afternoon, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also talked about yoga and how it could help fight depression.

He said the Bihar media should highlight the strengths of the state. “People’s participation in government programmes and the self-belief of youths can transform Bihar,” he added.

Deputy chief minister of Sushil Kumar Modi and Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Choudhary were all ears when the guru said: “India’s strength lies in its metaphysics, ayurveda, dance, dress, food and tourism.”