Deeply inspired by Co-Founder and Chair of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Respected Bhagwatkinkar Shri Anurag Krishna Shastri “Shri Kanhaiyaji” led a pledge during the divine Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram at the end of his week-long katha, to join forces in ending the practice of open defecation and pollution along and in our sacred rivers. He encouraged everyone to build and use a toilet as a simple, effective and vital way of personally ensuring the sanctity of our soil, our environment and our water bodies, as well as preventing a host of water-borne illnesses that take so many lives every year.
He also encouraged massive tree plantation drives which restore groundwater, thereby ensuring adequate water levels in our fresh water sources. He shared that we should all find any and every occasion to plant a tree, especially during the upcoming monsoon season.
Pujya Swamiji and Pujya Kanhaiyaji had a detailed discussion on utilizing Kathas as a time in which to reach out to the masses, engaging them in efforts to support and contribute to Swachh Bharat and Namami Gange as well as other initiatives that serve the nation. Pujya Swamiji shared His vision for Kathakar Social Responsibility and Green Kathas in which pledges to end open defecation, water conservation, tree plantation, ending the use of plastics and other vital environmental initiatives can be shared and people can be inspired to pledge to do these as their worship in action. They both agreed that the true worship of the Creator was in protecting, preserving and serving all of His creation.
Pujya Kanhaiyaji shared beautifully, “Every once in a while you see these birds passing along in the sky when we sit on the beautiful ghat here at Parmarth Niketan during the Divine Ganga Aarti, but it is especially beautiful to see a whole group of birds in V-shaped formation flying across the sky as they follow their leader. I truly believe that with Pujya Swamiji’s green vision and leadership we all can follow Him in His efforts to make the world a cleaner, greener and more peaceful place for all.”
