A National Symposium of Media’s Role in making the Ganga clean was organized by the Indian Federation of Working Journalists at Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh). The three-day workshop was inaugurated by Pujya Swamiji, Shri Vijay Bahugunaji, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Harak Singh Rawatji, Hon’ble State Minister of Agriculture, and Shri K Vikram Raoji, President & Founder of IFWJ, along with several other respected dignitaries and ministers.
Nearly 1000 journalists from over 25 different states of India came together today to discuss the vital role of media in raising awareness on issues related to pollution, over-extraction and over-exploitation of our sacred rivers, in the coming days. Hon’ble Chief Minister said that the state has been shaken but stands strong after the recent tragedy and will work towards rebuilding, reconstructing and rehabilitating itself in an eco-friendly way. He claimed that the beautiful Gangaji that we see on the banks of Mother Ganga should be available to all communities residing on her banks from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar.
Pujya Swamiji urged journalists to carry the divine experience of Mother Ganga and the Himalayas with them and to bring about the clean, green and serene revolution wherever they go. He shared that two years ago a green declaration was made in Russia, last year a similar convention for rivers was held in Rio and this year it starts with them in Rishikesh.
According to Shri K. Vikram Raoji, upon visiting Pujya Swamiji a few months ago, he became so inspired and touched by His movement that he spontaneously decided to pledge support for it and to gather the entire federation of media community for brainstorming ways in which they can be instrumental in the preservation and protection of our sacred rivers.
Later that evening during Ganga Aarti, Holly Moore, a young girl from Australia, sang a beautiful song about how there was so much beauty and abundance in the world but that what the world needs most is ‘Love Sweet Love.’ Inspired by Pujya Swamiji and Mother Ganga she pledged herself to being a Water Warrior and ensuring that the environment and our sacred rivers are preserved as they are divine experiences of love and peace for all. Pujya Swamiji deeply moved by her divine song words and determination, lovingly nicknamed her Holy Holly.
Friends from Vrindavan, Haryana and all over India and the world also pledged their personal social responsibility in this vital movement to sustain and promote clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
