By Sandeep Datta New Delhi, Mar.5 (ANI): The Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Sahaja Yoga Trust has apologised for showing disrespect to the tricolour during an Independence Day function abroad. Expressing deep regret over the unfortunate incident created by a follower, the trust has conveyed its apology through an e-mail addressed to Asian News International. "Our Deepest Respect to our National Flag: We Sahaja Yogis have the highest and deepest respect for our National Flag, which is the symbol of our National Freedom. It is inconceivable that any member of Shri Mataji's family would tolerate even the slightest disrespect to our National Flag," the e-mail said. "Possibly, at an Independence Day function held abroad, some foreigner Sahaja Yogi brought our (National) Flag and without meaning any disrespect, kept it on the ground. The flag was respectfully removed immediately on being noticed.Shri Mataji NirmalaDevi asks us all to respect National Flags of all countries. This unintended but the serious mistake is greatly regretted. Not even the slightest disrespect to our National Flag will ever be tolerated. To all those whose feelings have been hurt by this wholly unintended and unfortunate error, we express the assurance that we fully share their anguish and we extend our deeply felt and sincerest regrets and unqualified apologies," stated Rajendra Kumar, a Trustee. The incident came to notice through a photograph circulated on a social networking website Orkut.com. Many youngsters circulated it through e-mails alleging, "Influential people can escape punishment despite committing serious offences". The photograph shows Nirmala Devi seated on a chair and the tricolour at her feet. Nirmala Devi's Sahaj Yoga (or, the spontaneous union with the Self) technique is today practiced in 57 countries world- wide at various centres. Eighty-four-year-old Nirmala Devi was born to a Christian family in Madhya Pradesh's Chindawara District. She married Indian Civil Servant C.P.Srivastava, who was knighted by the Queen of England and served the former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri as his Principal Secretary. Nirmala Devi was jailed for participating Mahatma Gandhi-led Quit India Movement in 1942. (ANI)