Thousands of students and youth from many of Lucknow’s schools and universities lined the banks of the River Gomti to form a human chain-symbolizing that they stood together as one from any different faiths and backgrounds. It also symbolized that united and by working together they could address their cities major challenges and serve to restore a free-flowing and unpolluted River Gomti- their cities main source of fresh water.
The gathering was organized and hosted by Lok Adhikar Mandal, supported by Lucknow University, NSS, NCC Scouts, Ganga Action Parivar as well as many other governmental and non-governmental organizations. The students were addressed and encouraged by Respected Maulana Dr. Kalbe Sadqji, Justice Kamleshwar Nathji, Justice SC Vermaji, Padamshree Prakash Singhji, and many other revered and eminent leaders. All speakers congratulated them on being able to stand as an example for the world to follow and encouraged them to utilize their yuva shakti (the power of their youth) to bring about positive change in their society and preserve their sacred environment for their future generations.
The enthusiastic youth braved the rising sun and got down into the swampy banks of the River Gomti to clean-up. As Pujya Swamiji says that, ‘When we come together as one the hands become more and the plastic becomes less.’ Thousands of energetic students cleaned the banks of Gomtiji in front of Lucknow Univeristy in no time. Plans were also discussed to sustain a once a month clean-up with members of the NSS and NCC scouts adopting small stretches of the river and taking responsibility to keep it clean and green.
The programme was followed by a very tree plantation programme where members of GAP, Lok Adhikar Manch and Hon’ble DM Lucknow planted a tree in the honour of Pujya Swamiji and His vision for a clean and green Gomti and a clean and green India.
