Sanatan and Ganga inspire beyond imagination but many of us are unaware, says Pandit

INTERVIEW

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Haridwar

While interest in Sanatan Dharm has been revived in recent years especially after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, there is still a lack of awareness which exerts a contradictory impacts on sacred sites like Haridwar, the Shri Ganga Sabha secretary and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ujjwal Pandit said. In an exclusive interaction with The Pioneer he talked about the works being done by the body formed by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in 1916, the challenges being faced along the maor sacred ghats of the Ganga in Haridwar and the Kumbh and Kanwad events.

Citing a group of Malaysians with Hindu roots who had recently visited Haridwar, he said that they wanted to actually feel what the Sanatan experience is by visiting Har Ki Paidi. “They were visiting all major Hindu shrines across India and here they got to realise the sentiment and the belief system. We often have Hindu and even atheist visitors coming here as sceptics and they end up shredding tears during the Ganga Arti and leave as believers.  This is a good aspect but also ironic as those with Hindu roots living abroad for several generations are more interested in Sanatan than some of our own living here. Everything might not be perfect but still, since Prime Minister Narendra Modi enhanced focus on Sanatan, we have been witnessing a rise in the number of youngsters including those referred to Gen Z, who are curious to learn about their roots,” he said.

Regarding the major challenges he perceives, Pandit said that though people visiting Har Ki Paidi have belief and follow religious customs, many of them are apathetic towards their actions which pollute the Ganga and the environment. “We have been working for so many years on this but still the pilgrims arriving here whether during Kanwad Yatra or on other occasions, casually throw plastic and other non-biodegradable waste on the ghats and in the Ganga. We have been working hard to prevent this but it is difficult to check because the Irrigation department is responsible for the river while the local authorities handle the ghats. We are responsible for sanitation and Ganga Arti at Har Ki Paidi and Malaviya Dweep. Shri Ganga Sabha has about 350 volunteers- sanitation workers, supervisors and helpers. However, we alone cannot be expected to handle the scene. Though we are happy that there is a revival, we are also concerned about the lack of awareness and the reel culture that is contradicting the progressive Sanatan mindset,” he said.

Regarding recent allegations regarding construction and development works for the 2027 Ardh Kumbh, Pandit opined that there is complete transparency as all the processes are now digital and in the public domain for all to see. However, he added that regarding the intention to make this a green Kumbh, the major and recurring challenge is non-biodegradable waste like plastic bags, sheets and plastic cans for Gangajal which are hot products in Haridwar, despite being banned items. He reiterated that the government may issue orders and undertake enforcement actions but in the end, the real result will come from the believers becoming aware and acting upon that knowledge.