Namami Devi Narmade- Sewa Yatra (Blog)

Bhopal: On the occasion of Narmada Jayanti I extend my hearty greetings to the people of Madhya Pradesh. After offering our prayer to Maa Narmada on the occasion, as I, with my cabinet, took decisions on the policies towards the development of Madhya Pradesh, this gave me a deep sense of contentment.

It's a well known fact that most of the civilizations have flourished on the banks of rivers. Similar is the case with Narmada. The Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh, the river Narmada can hardly be overemphasized. It is not merely a river; she is cradle of civilization and represents a complete culture.

The Narmada is worshipped as Mother Goddess out of deep sense of gratitude. The area along her banks owes its prosperity to her ambrosia-like water. The banks of Narmada are strewn with centres of pilgrimage and temples where the seekers have attained spiritual elevation and perfection for aeons. Maa Narmada holds the unique distinction of 'Mahateerth'. The river that meets the desires of devotees.

This divine and mystique river has been glorified even by the Vedas. Since ages, hundreds of humble sages, seers and prophets have attained highest spiritual elevation on the banks of Narmada. Some of the prominent cults that walked on the banks of the river include- Kabir Panth (cult), Sikh Panth (cult), Taran Panth (cult), Radhavallabh Panth (cult) and Pranami Panth (cult). There are mentions in Puranas of sages like- Maikal, Vyas, Braghu, Attri and Kapil who have attained highest spiritual elevation along the bank of Narmada. Their preaching made on the banks of Maa Narmade have melted several hearts. The presence of sages promoted social harmony, which is present in the region to date. The banks of the Narmada is also the place where Adi Shankaracharya met his Guru Govinda Bhagavatpada and attained highest spiritual elevation.

Sethani Ghat in Hoshnagabad district is of great historical significance. The founder of Brahma Vidya Society Henry Stal Alkot took bath with his friends and received spiritual bliss. Since 1976, several functions have been organised to mark Narmada Jayanti at Sethani Ghat. The main theme of the celebrations was to create awareness to make Narmada free from all forms of pollution. However, with the passage of time, the event turned to collective worship.

The ongoing 'Namami Devi Narmade' -Seva Yatra campaign is a step to collaborate in building a movement and mobilising support towards concrete steps for sustenance of Narmada river. The campaign aims to make people aware of the historical, social, cultural, religious and economic aspects linked with the river Narmada- the life line of Madhya Pradesh. The world's largest river conservation campaign aims to preserve, protect and restore Narmada and other rivers of the world for the future generations.

Several religious tourists places like- Amarkantak, Bhedaghat, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Mandleshwar situated on the banks of Narmada river generate employment opportunities. Similarly, fairs and festivals organised on the banks of river Narmada provide employment to hundreds of people round the year. I firmly believe that Maa Narmada always fulfills wishes of her people.

My only wish is that the sacred water of Narmada continues to provide 40 million odd- population access to clean drinking water and continues to irrigate 17 lakh hectares of land of my State. With the blessings of Maa Narmada our warehouses are full of food grains and electricity has eliminated the darkness from our houses. Madhya Pradesh generates 2400 megawatt electricity with her blessings and the state has been honoured with Krishi Karman Award continuously for four times.
I am glad that the Yatra has evoked tremendous public and social response with masses coming forward spontaneously to actively participate in the various activities aimed at conserving the river and its environment. Leaders and members of different religious communities are also taking part in these activities very enthusiastically.

Globally recognized and acclaimed personalities are devoting some of their time to Narmada conservation activities during the Yatra. Nobel laurite- H H Dalai Lama, Nobel laurite- former President of East Timor H E Jose Romeos Holy, Nobel laurite- Kailash Satyarthi, eminent film Star Amitabh Bachchan and the most celebrated singer Lata Mangeshkar are appreciating and supporting the Yatra.

To keep Narmada free from pollution, we are going to spend Rs 1500 crore for installation of sewage treatment plant and construction of latrines on the banks of Narmada. To maintain our picturesque Narmada basin and the unique and abundant wildlife we are conducting extensive plantation drive during the Yatra. We have decided to close all liquor shops situated on the banks of river Narmada in 5 kilometer radius.

I feel, time has come not to waste the water of river Narmada which in future will lead to terrible consequences, instead support sustainable use of her resources, promote sustainable agricultural practices and organic farming.

I am going to write a letter to Antonio Guteres general secretary of United Nations to come forward and collaborate in building a movement and mobilising support for sustenance of rivers of the world.

Let us all take the pledge to adopt aggressive water conservation measures and re-energise adequate stream flows to protect wildlife and habitat to re-weave the natural processes into the ecological system so that nature continues to provide us with water for our survival and all living beings.

Thanks and Greetings.