Mar
15
2013
On the 25th February, film star Vivek Oberoi and his family were led by Pujya Swamiji, founder of Ganga Action Parivar and President of Parmarth Niketan, in a Kumbh Sangam Snan. Before the bath however, following the words and example of Pujya Swamiji, they all "gave a bath to Sangam before taking a bath in Sangam", moving along the banks of the Sangam picking up discarded plastic, polythene and other trash....
International Yoga Festival ran from the 1-7 March at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh. There were more than 475 official participants from 41 countries; however, taking into consideration those who came just for a few classes or programs, the total number of participants was nearly 800 people from 50 countries! Parmarth Niketan has been hosting International Yoga Festival since 1999, first in cooperation with Uttar Pradesh Tourism and then in cooperation with Uttarakhand Tourism. The number of participants, the diversity of the countries from which they come and the array of yogacharyas...
In the evening of February 25th, Pujya Swamiji showed a film which had been made on the need for toilets in the presence of members of DRDO, FICCI and the media. The lack of proper toilet facilities is not only a major factor contributing to pollution in Ganga, Yamuna and all rivers, but also is a source of violence, fear and illness in girls and women. Embarrassed to go to the toilet in the daytime, they suffer innumerable ailments from holding until the dark of night. Then, in the dark...
On the 23rd, the Respected Union Minister for Water Resources, Shri Harish Rawat, stood alongside Pujya Swamiji and other respected saints and dignitaries for the launch of the National Ganga Rights Movement. The movement, which is being spearheaded by Ganga Action Parivar, is promoting the National Ganga Rights Act to protect and restore one of the world’s most precious and beloved river systems. Present environmental laws, which regulate the amount of allowable harm that may occur to ecosystems, have not proven adequate to protect our National River, which also sustains the...
On the 19th, Pujya Swamiji led a special aarti at the VIP ghat on the sangam which was graced by the presence of Pujya Shankaracharya Vasudevanandji, Pujya Shankaracharya Narendranandji, Pujya Shankaracharya Adhokchajanandji, Pujya M.M. Swami Avdheshanand Giriji and other revered saints and leaders. As Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji said: “Here we have a sangam of saints, a sangam of Shankaracharyajis together on the sacred Sangam. I am sure that with the blessings of our divine saints and the commitment of so many people from across India and from abroad, we truly...
Pujya Swamiji shares that just as our country was freed from colonization, today we need to gain freedom from consumerism and the 'use and throw' culture. This freedom will in turn safeguard our natural heritage and natural elements not just for us but for the future generations that inherit our planet. He says that this Republic Day all Indians need to reaffirm their commitment to serve selflessly together for a nation free from pollution and corruption....
As people around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day this week with gifts of chocolate and roses, as symbols of their love and devotion, it is the perfect time to renew our commitment to our Mother Ganga. Children all over the world will make Valentine’s Day cards for their mothers. Here in India, every day, not only February 14, should be an opportunity to show love and devotion to our Mother Ganga. Standing on the banks of the Ganga at this year’s Kumbh Mela, my heart is filled with gratitude to a...
On Valentine’s Day, more than 500 “Green Kumbh” participants from more than 45 countries joined together in a celebration of dance and music at Arail Ghat to declare Ma Ganga, India’s Green Valentine. The gathering was graced by the presence of Pujya Swami Chidanandji, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudevji of Isha Foundation, Sri Prem Babaji, and Pujya B.A. Swami Paramadvaiti. The rally showcased the colors of India’s flag: orange was the symbol for sunshine and alternative energy, white represents simplicity and purity to encourage living in a sustainable and simple way and green stands...
On Valentine's Day, Ganga Action Parivar organized a rally to make Mother Ganga our "green" Valentine, not only on Valentine's Day itself but everyday! People from over 45 countries at the Sangam ghat to sing and dance in celebration of their love for Mother Ganga, and to stress the importance of protecting and preserving her waters....