On the eve of Vasant Panchami, Pujya Swamiji arrived in Tehri to lead and bless a divine Ganga Aarti ceremony, organized by Uttarakhand Tourism Department in association with Parmarth Niketan. Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand, Shri Dinesh Dhanaiji, and Smt Sona Sajwanji, Jila Adheksh as well as many other officials of the state government and urban local body participated in the special occasion. Pujya Swamiji was joined by Sadhvi Abha Saraswatiji (Mataji), the Parmarth Rishikumars and members of the Parmarth family to conduct the sacred ceremony on the banks of the beautiful Tehri Lake.
Plans were made for the next Vasant Panchami as one that would bring a two day Yoga and Meditation Festival to the beautiful lake. The Hon’ble Tourism Minister expressed his deepest gratitude for Pujya Swamiji’s divine presence and vision to support the government’s effort in developing the region of Tehri as a international tourist destination and Wellness Capital.
Pujya Swamiji shared, “On the occasion of Vasant Panchami, not only do we celebrate the coming of the spring but spring represents possibilities, opportunities, growth and life. Let us work together to bring prosperity, sustainable growth and renewed life to this beautiful and sacred land of Tehri.”
He also added, “To me Vasant also means Bas-Ant (to put an end). Let us put an end to feeling that we are still victims of natural disasters but let us understand that we are survivors to Mother Nature’s lessons. Let us put an end to a concept and notion of development that hurts our environment and destroys the lives of the locals of that region, instead let us re-envision a development that includes, involves and inspires all, while simultaneously preserves, protects and serves Mother Nature, the very source of spring.”
Pujya Swamiji also led a moment of silence and offered the sacred ceremony as a tribute and in honour of Siachen Braveheart and soldier Lance Naik Hanumanthappa, who tragically passed away in the harsh climate of Saichen, buried under a massive avalanche with nine others, while protecting the border.