The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal Khattarji, visited the Parmarth Niketan, Ganga Action Parivar, ‘Green Kumbh’ camp with a focus on the environment and health for all. Greeted by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, and Dr Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary General of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, they first offered a purnahuti (final offering) to the beautiful Paush Purnima Vishwa Shanti Yagna in Parmarth’s Yagyashala. A moment of meditation to Ma Ganga honoured the beauty and vibrancy of India’s nature and her waters, significant in this sacred space of the sangam at Kumbh Mela.
Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji gave a tour of the Parmarth Pi-Lo Pani Water Station and Handwashing Station. Highlighting how more than 200 of these systems have been installed throughout the Kumbh, they shared that the innovative systems are part of Parmarth’s ongoing efforts in partnership with Dettol Banega Swachh India and Global Interfaith WASH Alliance to preserve water and to provide free, clean drinking water to the millions of yatris coming to the Mela. Consistent with the Parmarth camp’s ‘green kumbh’ focus, discussion followed about the quality of air in India’s cities and the need to be more creative and effective in the reuse of materials. For example, rice husks are often burned, increasing air pollution, whereas now they can and are being used to produce eco-friendly materials, such as agriboard, for the building of homes. Under Pujya Swamiji’s leadership Parmarth Niketan, Ganga Action Parivar, and Global Interfaith WASH Alliance have been working tenaciously for decades for a clean, healthy environment. Pujya Swamiji himself is always seeking new technologies that can be brought to India and used for a cleaner, healthier India – Agriboard being one of those technologies.
Pujya Swamiji said: “Our prime minister’s goal is every Indian has a good and eco-friendly home. Our government culture is focused on homes for everyone, using nature wisely and respecting her entirely, so the future generations have a planet to call home. Agriboard is just one example of the creativity and ingenuity brought to benefit India. We can have a Plan A and a Plan B, but there is only one Planet so all of us must endeavor to keep the planet healthy and thriving.”
Hon’ble Shri Khattarji said: “What a beautiful camp you have created. I like the use of jute material for the walls – a very nice idea. The paintings and mantras embrace our culture – all walls can represent our culture – sturdy and supportive.”
Sadhvi Bhagawati said: “Each breath we take is a chance to take in life from the air or, if the air is polluted, it takes away life. Yoga teaches us to use our breath wisely and efficiently. All of us together are committed to a clean India – clean air, clean waters, a clean heart and body. Then we all live healthy and prosperous lives.”