Day ahead of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Rinpocheji’s birthday, HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji inspired a plantation of herbal and flowering trees at the Parmarth Vatika in Veerpur, Rishikesh. He reminded Parmarth volunteers and Rishikumars of the green mantra given by our Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu when he inaugurated Parmarth’s International Yoga Festival earlier this year of protecting and preserving nature, culture and future.
Parmarth volunteers were joined by their global family a special group who go by “Backpacking for a Purpose” led by Ivonne Isla Solther, Mexico and Raj Behel and joined by Danielle Herrera from USA, Logan Elizabeth from Canada, Zoe Elisabeth Paine from Canada, Kiesha Vanessa Goris from Canada, Anna Rachel Binder from USA, Victoria Slaybaugh from USA, Annie Jewell Godon from Canada, Sacha Ingala from France, Chzistopher Amparam from USA, Maria Arameula from USA, Peter Scott from USA, Kelsee Brinklow from USA, Trever Harslbarger from USA as they completed their 3 day, 2 night stay at their Himalayan home and gave back to make their pilgrimage cleaner and greener for all.
During their stay at Parmarth, the group was deeply touched by the Ganga Aarti, evening Yagna Ceremony, morning Yoga & Meditation classes, recorded Satsang session of Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji and more.
They were glad to see how life and service at the ashram was intricately intertwined with the protection and preservation of Mother Nature and Mother Ganga. They were glad to learn about all the wonderful projects and initiatives flourishing and thriving with the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Ganga Action Parivar & Divine Shakti Foundation, especially towards promoting #climateaction, protecting water and working towards the Sustainable Development Goals. They expressed their intention to keep coming back home and staying connected to this green mission and green purpose throughout their travels.