By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Rishikesh, 16 May: As a great source of inspiration for Religious and Spiritual Social Responsibility, a month long Shri Ram Katha is being recited by Sant Murlidhar Maharaj, with the inspiration of Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan.
Today was the beginning of the month long Katha, which was officially dedicated to promoting nation building, sustainable living and protecting the sacred rivers. Every day, the month long celebration and recitation of Shri Ram’s life and teachings would welcome revered saints and eminent leaders to lead pledges and inspire committed action that would make the world a cleaner and greener place for all beings.
The event was inaugurated by Governor Baby Rani Maurya and Sant Rajendra Das, in the presence of Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The dignitaries offered sacred malas and flowers to the Vyas Peeth and Sant Murlidhar Maharaj. The Governor was presented a sacred Rudraksha sapling on the occasion.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati welcomed everyone by saying, “This Katha is dedicated to Rashtriya, environmental preservation and protecting our sacred rivers. This sacred land where Maa Ganga originates, revered saints have reached enlightenment, the yoga capital of the world, situated at the foothill of the Himalayas is the best place to purify not only the body but the mind and reconnect with our spirit. During this Katha we will celebrate many special holidays such as Buddha Purnima, Ganga Dussehra, Nirjala Ekadashi and utilise every moment to realise how our lives can become clean, green celebrations in the service of making the world a better place for all beings.”
Explaining how the Katha is dedicated to environmental conservation, he said, “We have discussed with the Governor the opportunity we have to make the Kumbh Mela a Plastic Free one. We have discussed the installation of clean water filtration systems such as the Parmarth PiLo Pani Systems that are being installed in many pilgrimage sites across India. We would be installing two specifically in Agra to be inaugurated by our Governor who is a former Mayor of Agra. We also look forward to working with her to take the environmental conservation cause up simultaneously with women and girl empowerment and education.”
Governor Maurya declared, “Maa Ganga might flow as a river amongst us but we must never forget that she is the Divine Mother herself, granting us the precious gifts of clean water, clean air, clean environment and fresh oxygen. It is therefore our prime duty to preserve and protect her. With this divine month long Shri Ram Katha let us all become the vessels and the instruments through which a New India, a clean, sustainable and resilient India is created. “
Rajendra Das Maharaj added, “As you bathe with devotion and awareness in the sacred waters of Mother Ganga during the month long Katha realise also that your mind, intellect and ego are being bathed by the soothing waters of the Shri Ram Katha.”
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati also addressed the gathering.
