Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the Indian civilization and culture can never be complete without mentioning Mother Ganga. Mokshadayini Maa Ganga is not just a river, but is the very basis of religion, philosophy, culture, civilization flowing through the ages in India. Its pure flow has assimilated every aspect of the land of India. It not just gives water, but also gives nutrition and employment opportunities, he added.
He was presiding over the Ganga Utsav – The River Festival 2022 at New Delhi, organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). G. Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, was the Chief Guest in the morning session in the gracious presence of Bishweswar Tudu, the Minister for State, Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs,. Freddy Svan, Royal Danish Ambassador to India,. Sriram Vedire, Advisor, Ministry of Jal Shakti and G. Asok Kumar, Director General, NMCG.
Ganga Utsav 2022 is dedicated to the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav that is being observed to commemorate the 75 years of Indian Independence. As Ganga Utsav 2022 is held in the 75th year of independence, it is planned to have 75 separate events in Ganga and its tributary basin cities and towns, by August 2023, 3-day events in 15 major cities like Haridwar, Mathura, Delhi, Kanpur, Varanasi, Patna, Bhagalpur, Kolkata etc., 1-day events in 60 smaller towns/cities, in which local and pan-India culture based events will be promoted.
Shekhawat noted how in the ancient times our sages imparted religious messages on Ganga so that people keep it clean. “Through Arth Ganga, we are generating economic opportunities for the individuals living near Ganga basin,” he said, adding, “Namami Gange is able to adopt a holistic and multi-sectoral approach for conservation, promotion and rejuvenation of Ganga and its tributaries.
Kishan Reddy said that through this festival, the social, cultural and historical heritage of India is showcased. Jan Bhagidari is very important in the rejuvenation of rivers across the country and the relation between people and rivers is so strong that rivers are revered as Mothers in India.
Giving the example of Southern India, Reddy said the people across the country have immense faith in Ganga, which is a symbol of our culture and civilization. Conservation of rivers is the biggest responsibility which we have to fulfill together, especially River Ganga which selflessly provides livelihood to more than 40% of the population and constitutes more than 20% of the country’s landmass, he added.
