Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil Announces River Conservation Plans
The 6th edition of Nadi Utsav, a festival dedicated to celebrating the ecological and cultural significance of rivers, was inaugurated today at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi. The event, organized by the Ministry of Culture, featured prominent figures including Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil, spiritual leader Shri Gaurang Das, and other dignitaries. The festival aims to foster awareness about river conservation and the vital role rivers play in sustaining communities and cultures across India.
Inaugural Address Highlights River Conservation
During the opening ceremony, Minister C.R. Patil emphasized the importance of rivers as essential lifelines for both ecology and culture. He called for a collective effort to preserve these natural resources for future generations. “India is a land of rivers. The world’s finest river, the Ganga, flows in India. It is our duty not to pollute our rivers,” he stated. Patil outlined ongoing initiatives under the Water Vision@2047 program, which aims to address river conservation through short-term, mid-term, and long-term strategies. He underscored that rivers are not just resources but integral to the emotional and cultural fabric of Indian society, urging everyone to take responsibility for their preservation.
Voices of Wisdom on River Significance
Shri Gaurang Das, a spiritual leader from ISKCON, shared his insights on the symbolic nature of rivers, describing them as embodiments of strength and resilience. He likened the journey of the Ganga from its source to the sea to the human experience of overcoming challenges. Das expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River, reinforcing the idea that river conservation is a shared responsibility. He praised the efforts of IGNCA in organizing Nadi Utsav, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering a deeper connection with rivers.
Sadhvi Vishudhanand Bharti Thakur also contributed to the discussions, sharing her experiences with rivers across India. She urged attendees to engage in meaningful dialogues with these water bodies, recognizing their cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance. Thakur emphasized the need to study and respect the ecological diversity that rivers offer, reinforcing the idea that rivers are vital to both human life and the environment.
National Seminar and Documentary Film Festival
The first day of Nadi Utsav featured the commencement of a National Seminar titled “Riverscape Dynamics: Changes and Continuity.” This seminar brought together over 300 research papers, with 45 selected for presentation. Scholars and experts shared their perspectives on the cultural, ecological, and artistic dimensions of rivers, fostering a rich dialogue on the subject. The seminar is being conducted in collaboration with the English Department of the University of Delhi.
In parallel, the “My River Story” Documentary Film Festival showcased a series of thought-provoking films that address ecological issues and the human connection to rivers. Films such as “Gotakhors: Disappearing Diving Communities” and “Yamuna’s Sewage Treatment Plant” highlighted the challenges faced by river systems and the traditional practices that have sustained them. These screenings aim to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles and triumphs associated with river conservation.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
Nadi Utsav serves as a platform for fostering a dialogue between traditional practices and contemporary issues related to rivers. The inaugural session concluded with a captivating performance by Guru Sudha Raghuraman and her team, which resonated with the festival’s theme. The three-day event will continue until September 27, 2025, featuring cultural programs, exhibitions, and discussions designed to reinforce the connections between rivers, ecology, and culture.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, noted that urban lifestyles have distanced people from their connection to rivers. He expressed hope that Nadi Utsav would inspire reverence and enthusiasm towards these vital water bodies. The festival aims to remind society of its responsibilities towards rivers, ensuring that they remain a source of life and culture for generations to come.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
