Jal: Reviving the Sacred Flow of Our Rivers

In Hinduism, Varuna, or वरुण in Sanskrit, is revered as the deity of the sky, oceans, and water. Often paired with Mitra, Varuna is a symbol of justice and truth, known as an Aditya, a son of the goddess Aditi. In Vedic scriptures, he represents the guardian of moral law and is depicted as a youthful figure mounted on a crocodile, holding a noose and a pitcher, overseeing the waters and the western direction.

Varuna’s influence extends beyond Hinduism into Japanese Buddhism, where he is known as Suiten, and is recognized in Jainism as well. In Shinto religion, Varuna’s counterpart is worshipped at the Suitengū shrine in Tokyo, reflecting his significant cultural and spiritual presence.

However, in contrast to this ancient reverence, modern India faces severe water pollution challenges. India ranks 12th among 192 countries for the highest amount of plastic waste dumped into the oceans. With a coastline spanning 7,517 kilometers and a population of 420 million living near coastal areas, the problem is exacerbated. UNEP reports that over 15,000 metric tons of waste, much of it plastic, are dumped daily into the South Asian seas from 60 major Indian cities.

Translation: “I bow to the Ganges, I bow to the Yamuna, I bow to the Narmada, I bow to the Godavari, I bow to the Sindhu, I bow to the Krishna, I bow to the Kaveri.”

Water pollution in India is driven by untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial discharge. Rivers, lakes, and canals often become dumping grounds for various wastes, compromising water quality and aquatic life. The sacred rivers of India, such as the Ganges and Yamuna, despite their divine status, are frequently listed among the world’s most polluted rivers. The Rigveda speaks of holy rivers like the Sarasvati, and the Ganges is personified as the goddess Ganga, highlighting their spiritual significance.

Project Aatmanirbhar Society is dedicated to combating river and ocean pollution. We are committed to implementing initiatives to cleanse and revive our sacred rivers and to advocate for stringent measures against ocean pollution. By integrating ancient wisdom with modern action, we aim to restore the purity of our water bodies and ensure a sustainable future for our communities.

Join us in our mission to revitalize India’s rivers and protect our oceans, bridging the gap between reverence and reality through dedicated action and community involvement.