Banega Swachh India-Dettol, RB, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Kumbh Mela Adminstration distributes 1000 Life Savers and Inspire, Motivate Nishadraj Community
The Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) and Parmarth Niketan joined together with Banega Swachh India-Detol RB to joyfully host a celebration of the Nishadraj (boatsmen) of the Kumbh Mela 2019. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan and Co-Founder of GIWA, and Dr Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary-General of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, were joined by the Respected Mela Adhikari Shri Vijay Kiran Anand, DIG Kumbh Prayagraj SSP Respected Shri KP Singh, Shri Ravi Bhatnagar, Director External Affairs and Partnerships, RB Health, and the Head of the Naavik Sang.
The uplifting event began with the Indian national anthem, followed by a lamp lighting ceremony. The celebration is a joint initiative of the Kumbh Mela administration, Parmarth Niketan, GIWA, Banega Swachh India- Detol, RB and Naavik Sang, which recognizes the boatsmen as essential to the Kumbh – without boats and boatsmen, there are no yatris to the sangam! The faithful are safely and efficiently brought to the sangam by experienced boatsmen, insuring an inspiring and refreshing snan in the sacred waters. Over 500 Nisharaj attended the event, along with family members and friends. They were presented life jackets provided by Dettol Banega Swachh India as a gift for their service.
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji said: “The boatsmen community is the life saver of the Kumbh Mela – the backbone for the crores and crores of pilgrims coming to the Sangam for their sacred dip. It is wonderful to be honouring their spirit of giving in this holy city with a long history of giving back. I also applaud the Kumbh Mela administration for their tireless efforts to organize and conduct a safe, clean, and green Kumbh Mela. Each one of us creates a more serene world when people are given ownership to take initiative for their environment and their water.”
Shri Ravi Bhatnagar said: “The Kumbh this year is expected to be the biggest it has ever been. With Dettol Harpic Banega Swachh India always being at the forefront of driving behavior change in the community with respect to hygiene and sanitation, it is an important platform for us to create direct touchpoints with our audience. Our aim to make a clean and hygienic Kumbh experience a reality for everyone attending this year with the hope of leaving a long–lasting impact on their minds.”
