The Aviral Godavari Mission
The Satsang Foundation (TSF), Namami Goda Foundation, and partner organizations have now taken the initiative to rejuvenate the Godavari River (the second longest river in India) at Brahmagiri, Trimbakeshwar in Nashik District, and through its downstream journey, so that it becomes a perennial river once more. The Aviral Godavari Committee – guided by Sri M and Dr. Rajendra Singh (leading the Tarun Bharat Sangh and also known as Jal Purush, the ‘Waterman of India’) – has begun its first phase by working towards reviving Brahmagiri, the origin of the Godavari, and rebuilding the capacity for water retention and groundwater recharge so that the streams and springs start flowing again.
Inauguration of Events, Plastic Waste Cleaning Drive at Nashik
On 2nd October 2023, a momentous event unfolded at the sacred ghats of the River Godavari. Volunteers from over twenty-five diverse organizations converged for the launch of the Aviral Godavari Mission, dedicated to ensuring that the River Godavari flows freely in all her majestic splendour before the Kumbh Mela in 2027.
At the forefront of this endeavour was The Satsang Foundation (TSF), playing a pivotal role in inaugurating MyBhoomi, an initiative that envisages the cleaning of the environment. Over 160 dedicated TSF volunteers, amongst other enthusiastic locals, as well as NGOs from Nashik, participated in a remarkable 10+ kilometres plogging initiative from Anandwalli to Ramtirth, over a total of 17 collection points. It was a heartwarming sight to witness saints, community members, government officials, and celebrities come together with unwavering zeal and genuine enthusiasm.
MyTree Awareness Session, Plantation Drive at Espalier School
Children are the seeds of hope for the future of mankind. When they come together to nurture the seeds of trees with love and care, the vision of “Brahmagiri ki hariyali, Godavari ki pavitrata” can be manifested.
On 2nd October, 2023, as part of the Aviral Godavari Mission, The Satsang Foundation (TSF) conducted an awareness drive for the children of Espalier School, Trimbak Road, under the aegis of TSF’s MyTree initiative. Around 65 children, 12-14 years of age, participated in an interactive session during which they were sensitized on the importance of growing trees from seeds and nurturing them. The children then took a pledge to look upon trees as their friends and to protect them, exemplifying the spirit of maitri – loving friendship and harmonious coexistence with trees and nature. Sri M’s books and TSF badges were offered to the children as mementos of this special session presided over by Sri M.
Samvaad with Sri M
On 2nd October 2023, Sri M took more than 700 people who had gathered at the Dr. Kurtakoti Sabhagruh through a conversational journey exploring various themes of human life, elevated consciousness, and the inter-relationship with Nature.
During the Samvaad or conversation, Sri M interacted with the renowned actress Smt. Supriya Pilgaonkar, head of Colors Marathi Channel Shri Viraj Ashok Raje, and audience members.
Kund Rejuvenation Puja, Program
The magnificent slopes of the Brahmagiri Mountain, source of the River Godavari, harbors more than 108 kunds (tanks or ponds) which play a vital role in recharging the subterranean streams that feed the river. Most of these ancient kunds are associated with temples while others were used as public utilities. However, they are in various stages of disrepair and disuse. On 3 Oct 2023, Sri M and Dr. Rajendra Singh launched the rejuvenation program of the kunds by offering a ceremonial puja at the Gangasagar Lake in Trimbak, marking a formal beginning of this work which will be implemented in regular phases until 2027.
Planting of Saplings at Trimbakeshwar
Sri M, Dr. Rajendra Singh, Smt. Shreya Deochakke, Trimbak CO, Shri Narendra Chugh and Shri Bapu Kulkarni of Jal Biradari launched the plantation of 200 saplings in Trimbak town as part of the Aviral Godavari Mission on 3rd October 2023.
Meeting with Collector, DFO at Nashik
On 3 October 2023, after completing the kund puja and launching the tree plantation, Sri M, Dr. Rajendra Singh, members of the Aviral Godavari team and other civil society organizations met Shri Jalaj Sharma (District Magistrate & Collector, Nashik), DCF West Nashik Forest Division Shri Pankaj Garg, DCO Shri ZP Gunde, and officers from the Irrigation Department and the District Information Office. This meeting was held under the umbrella of the flagship programme Chala Januya Nadila (Come, let us know the river!). The meeting included representatives of seven tributaries of the Godavari who have been nominated as Nadi Prahari – guardian of the river.
Dr. Rajendra Singh’s Interactions with School Students
On 4th October 2023, the Aviral Godavari team and Dr. Rajendra Singh conducted an educational session for the students of the MSB Education Institute and members of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Nashik. The community has initiated the “My Water Bank” project to equip the rooftops of around 1,000 houses to harvest rainwater for their own use as well as for recharging ground water.
To participate in the Aviral Godavari Mission as a volunteer please register here.
To support this life-altering mission, please write to us at connect@satsang-foundation.org.
