Management students from the Quantum Global Campus (Roorkee) came home to Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh) inspired and eager to join the Ganga Action Parivar (GAP), Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) and Divine Shakti Foundation (DSF). All were deeply appreciative of the divine vision and mission of H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Founder of GAP, DSF and Co-founder of GIWA.
They met with volunteers and members of GAP and GIWA and were specially addressed by Shri Ram Mahesh Mishraji and Swamini Adityananda Saraswatiji about the importance of bringing human social responsibility into all that they do.
Quantum Global Campus’ Dean, Dr. YP Singhji, shared that, “There is a need for management when the demand is much greater than the finite resources available on the planet. Therefore, as managers they must learn to discriminate between one’s need and one’s greed ensuring that Mother Nature’s bounty is available and accessible to all. I am so glad to be here at Parmarth and to be joining together our efforts with GAP and GIWA to serve this vital cause of protecting and preserving our precious and finite resources.”
Swamini Adityananda Saraswatiji shared, “There are two tracks in life: one to care for just for one’s self and one’s immediate family and the second to care for the world family. From my own personal experience and example of my father, one does not have to be religious to be able to serve but rather one’s heart and intention should be to give back to their fellow man and to those in need. To give back is the greatest worship and its also the greatest wealth. So just as we worship Lakshmiji (the Goddess of Wealth) in Hinduism, let us worship each other and offer our commitment to protecting all of life in all its forms, especially to preserving and protecting Mother Nature and serving to improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) worldwide.”
Shri Ram Mahesh Mishraji said, “That the strength of our pledge is determined by two factors: steadfast determination and positive thoughts. If one ensures that their vision is centered on their goal and their thoughts are positive and encompassing of their world family then nature also works in concert to ensure that pledge comes to fruition.’ He also said, ‘Mother Ganga has called each and every one of you here to this sacred land, I encourage you to take this opportunity a bit deeper and more personal. I encourage you to take a pledge to not only become the best management students but to be green ambassadors bringing the vital message of conserving and effectively managing our environment for future generations.”
Shri Mohan Singhji, who coordinated their visit on behalf of GAP, encouraged them, “In honour of your visit to Parmarth, and as a symbol of your commitment to GAP and GIWA, let us take a pledge to plant and care for at least one tree during your freshmen year. Just as we grow in our five years so to may our trees grow and just as our trees provide for all so to may we, empowered by our knowledge and education, serve for the welfare of all.”
The students engaged in a Water Blessing Ceremony, offering their prayers and commitment to the cause of providing better WASH to all. Dr. YP Singhji was honoured with a sacred Rudraksh plant as an exemplary example of overcoming all odds and serving as a shining example of strong determination combined with the power of positive thoughts. The students immersed their souls in the divine Ganga Aarti, took a green pledge and enjoyed sattvic, vegetarian meal with the saints and students of Parmarth Niketan. They left with so much gratitude, joy and inspiration and were eager to keep coming back and continuing to etch new avenues of giving back and serving humanity.