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Exclusive on 74th Independence Day
By Dr.Rajendra Singh*
Independence of the free-flowing Ganga will have a great impact on Independent India. The spiritual and cultural independence of India and Indians is associated with the ‘independence’ of river Ganga. This national river is now being shackled. The Bhagirathi, one of the headstreams of the river Ganga, had got her ‘independence’ in 2009 when the construction of the three proposed dams had come to a halt with the decision that these would no longer be constructed. With the declaration of the region between Gaumukh and Uttarkashi as an eco- sensitive zone, it was as if the childhood of the river Ganga was protected. The Ganga will be truly liberated and independent when the same action will apply to the rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda, two other main streams of the Ganga.
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Culturally and spiritually, the Alaknanda is the most important: The five prayags of Vishnuprayag, Karnprayag, Nand Prayag, Rudra Prayag and Dev Prayag are on this river. The Ganga gets its name from Dev Prayag onwards.
For the independence for free flow of the Alaknanda and Mandakini, Prof G D Agarwal (Swami Sanand) lost his life during his satyagraha (fast unto death).
Since August 3, 2020, Swami Shivanand Saraswati is on satyagraha and is fasting, limiting his intake to only five glasses of water a day, without additives such as sugar, salt or honey.
On this 74th Year of Indian Independence, today is day 13 of his satyagraha. In solidarity, fasting is being undertaken in 108 different places today. Chain fasting is being taken up Ganga lovers across the world. It is fortunate that the leader who called the Ganga his mother is at the helm of affairs. It is hoped that measures will be taken to make the Ganga aviral and nirmal by enacting a law for the protection and management of the ganga and the setting up of an independent Ganga Bhakt Parishad for monitoring and governance of the law.
India was recognised as a global spiritual and cultural leader as long as its people and leaders respected her five ‘mothers’, together which form the word Bhagwan or God: Bhoomi or land; G: Gagan or sky/atmosphere; V: vaayu or air; A: Agni or fire and N: Neer or water.
As is given in our scriptures, we were the believers and practitioners of: ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् । तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम् ।।
(īśāvāsyamidaṃ sarvaṃ yatkiñca jagatyāṃ jagat ।
tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā mā gṛdhaḥ kasyasviddhanam ।।)
Meaning: This universe, made of living and non-living things, is permeated by God. Humans may use the resources as needed but may not hoard as if ‘this all belongs to me’.
Unfortunately we have now moved away from this towards profit. This must change. When the legislature, executive and society work together for the betterment of the country, then only real independence becomes a reality. The Ganga in on her deathbed. All the three and the judiciary should work together for the Ganga’s revival which is a critical pillar for long lasting democracy.
Aviral (free flowing) and nirmal (pure) Ganga is the one goal which can bring together all the four organs of governance and establish a strong democratic and independent India. The true independence of India rests on an independent Ganga.
*The writer is an internationally acclaimed water conservationist and is also known as the Waterman of India. The views expressed are personal.
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