Within two months of its origination, the 144-day Namami Devi Narmade Sewa Yatra evokes tremendous public response and emerges as a mass movement
Pramod Kumar in Omkareshwar
Namami Devi Narmade Sewa Yatra, started on December 11, 2016 from Amarkantak, seems to be emerging as a mass movement committed to complete social-cultural transformation in Madhya Pradesh. The Yatra was originally started to protect Narmada River from pollution and ensure the large-scale tree plantation on both sides of her banks. But when it, on 59th day i.e. February 9, 2017, reached Omkareshwar, home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the land of Adi Shankaracharya where the great saint met his Guru Pujya Govinda Bhagavatpada in the cave and attained highest spiritual elevations, the elements added to it could prove to be trendsetters for the entire country in the days to come. The way people from both rural and urban areas are spontaneously joining the activities like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, total literacy, prohibition, cleanliness, renovation of pilgrimage places, etc it appears that apart from river conservation Madhya Pradesh is ready to set the tune for a positive change in social, cultural and religious mindset of people all over the country. The Yatra will conclude on May 11, 2017 in Amarkantak from where it had begun on December 11, 2016.
Before the Yatra reached Omkareshwar at 4.30 pm on February 9, a discussion was held on Narmada conservation and the Adwait Vedant propounded by Adi Shankaracharya. On the initiative of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan scores of senior saints, thinkers, scholars, experts and leaders of various social, cultural and religious organisations joined the discussion. Respecting the suggestion of the saints and scholars the CM declared to introduce a chapter on Adi Shankaracharya in State’s school textbooks. The CM also announced to install a metal statue of Adi Shankaracharya in the city. Accepting the suggestion of Juna Peethadhishwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avadheshananda Giri, the CM declared that the metal for the Statue will be collected from each and every family of the state. The audience supported the initiative by raising their hands in affirmation. The campaign to collect metals for the Statue will begin after the Narmada Sewa Yatra is over in May.
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The Land of Shankaracharya Omkareshwar has very close association with Adi Shankaracharya, because the great saint met his guru Pujya Govind Bhagwatpada on the banks of the Narmada only. He performed tapasya at the cave beneath the Omkareshwar Temple. He composed Narmadashtak here only. Therefore, when Narmada Sewa Yatra reached Omkareshwar, it was natural to remember the great saint. Good number of Shankaracharya followers still live on the Narmada bank. Since Vedant philosophy of Shankaracharya provides vital links for unity and integrity of the country and also for social harmony, Narmada Sewa Yatra is an effort to underline those links once again. |
Initiating contribution from his side the CM announced 11 kg copper for the Statue. His Cabinet Colleagues and party leaders also announced their contribution. “Even if one contributes a nail that will be accepted with respect. Since the Adwait philosophy of Shankaracharya connects the whole society, the Statue of the great revivalist should be prepared with the contribution of all,” the CM said. He also announced to establish Vedant Institute where apart from preserving the memories of the great saint, extensive work will be done for research and propagation of his philosophy under the guidance of saints. A 40-minute Light and Sound Show will be prepared so that the pilgrims visiting Omkareshwar can have factual information about the city and its past. The CM also abolished the pilgrimage tax having been charged from the pilgrims by local municipality since 1986. It will benefit around 20 lakh pilgrims who visit Omkareshwar every year.
The CM also announced the renovation of famous Mamleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, the Cave associated with Shankaracharya, Indra Temple, Chandramaulishwar Temple, Narmada Ghats, etc. The cave will now have illustrations related to the philosophy of Shankaracharya. Apart from improving basic facilities, light system will be improved at Mamleshwar Temple. The Temple is a protected site managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), but it is poorly managed and the devotees visiting here feel hurt observing the poor condition of the historic temple once renovated by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The colour of the temple stones has turned black and the boundary walls too are in dilapidated condition.
The public support to Narmada Sewa Yatra is tremendous as people from all sections of the society are willingly joining it. Even some MLAs and leaders of the Congress Party have joined it at some places. Ruby, a Kinnar from Jhiranya, carried a Kalash on its head when the Yatra reached Omkareshwar. Many other Kinnars also joined Ruby. A large number of women from Omkareshwar also joined the Kalash Yatra. “When people from even remote areas are coming to contribute in conservation of Maa Narmada, how can we stay away? Narmada is our lifeline and we have to collectively protect her,” said a group of women who joined the Kalash Yatra in Omkareshwar.
Many other persons were also seen ensuring their contribution in the initiative. Manoj (26) who helps the pilgrims to reach Omkareshwar and other temples through his boat keeps a dustbin in the boat and requests the pilgrims not to throw anything in the river while travelling by the boat. The dustbins have been provided by Omkareshwar Navik Sangh. Since the sewage water still directly joins Narmada, the State government is going to set up four Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Omkareshwar and the treated water will be used for irrigation. In order to restore greenery at the Omkar Mountain 25,000 saplings are being prepared to be planted during rainy season on the mountain.
Appreciating the efforts of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Swami Avadheshananda Giri compared him with King Vikramaditya, Harsh Vardhan and Bhoj and said, He is the first CM who follows his rajdharma. The arrangements at Simhastha Kumbha were marvellous. Now the initiative of Narmada conservation too is wonderful. Since the source of the Narmada is not any glacier but the roots of trees, tree plantation is a timely decision. Turning of this campaign into a mass movement is a good sign for the future of Bharat,” he said.
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How the fund was arranged Narmada Sewa Yatra was started after properly earmarking budget for the activities to be taken up like extensive tree plantation, installation of STPs, etc. To execute the activities the Narmada Sewa Mission was formed involving various departments like forest, revenue, Narmada Valley Development Corp., horticulture, agriculture, urban development, etc. The STPs are to be installed by Urban Development Department with the budget of Rs 1,500 crore. The horticulture department bears the expenses of planting fruit bearing trees and giving subsidy to the farmers. The forest department bears the cost of tree plantation on government land. |
Swami Tejomayanand of Chinmya Mission extended full support to any initiative aimed at propagating practical aspects of the Vedant. Prof Kutumba Shastry, a representative of Kanchi Math, said the Kanchi Acharya wished that Narmada Parikrama Yatra route be lighted with solar power and arrangements should be made in temples to ensure regular recitation of Shankaracharya Mantras.
Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara said polluting the River is like insulting the lap of the mother. Therefore, we should all pledge that neither we will cause pollution to Narmada nor allow others to do that. “Our culture teaches us wisdom. Using that wisdom we should not immerse the idols made of chemicals into the river,” she said.
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Origin of the Narmada River One among the seven sacred rivers of Bharat, Narmada originates from Maikal range of the Vindhyachal Mountain in Amarkantak under Shahdol District of Madhya Pradesh. ‘Rewa Khand’ of Vayu and Skanda Puran are completely devoted to the story of the birth and the significance of the River. Kalidas also refers her as ‘Reva’ in Meghadootam. It is regarded as daughter of Rudra, as she originates from the Shivlinga. Total length of the River is about 1,310 km and is believed to be the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The river flows from eastward direction to the westward into the Arabian Sea. The largest west flowing river merges into the ocean at “Bharonch”. Kapildhara, Shuklateera, Mandhata, Bhedaghat, Shoolpani are some of the pilgrimage places on her banks. |
RSS Sah Sarkaryavah Shri Suresh Soni said restoring free flow of Narmada and keeping it clean is the collective responsibility of both the government and the society and this responsibility should be fulfilled
honestly. Adi Shankar has been
playing a key role in keeping the
society united since centuries. The Adwait philosophy has to be followed in practical life to restore social
harmony. Vedant is still very much helpful in curbing the menace of global warming, environment degradation, terrorism, etc. Not only the religious leaders but also the school teachers and parents have to ensure their active role in propagation of the Vedanta philosophy. Noted filmmaker Dr Chandra Prakash Dwivedi said the rich legacy that we have inherited from our ancestors has to be transferred to the young generation.
The question is not of conserving Narmada alone. Many of our rivers like the Ganga, the Yamuna, etc are gradually dying due to wrong policies and outdated social and religious practices. The spontaneous response received by Narmada Sewa Yatra in Madhya Pradesh develops a hope for revival of the other rivers too which are dying due to pollution. Additionally, the change in several social, cultural and religious practices can be replicated in other states. n
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