NEW DELHI: At the inaugural session of the Jagran Forum on ‘Ganga, Environment and Culture’ organised by Hindi daily Dainik Jagran on March 15, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the preservation and promotion of River Ganga, environment , and culture of India is the foundation for development of India.
In his address, he talked about how the sanctity of River Ganga in the lives of Indians is of utmost importance and the river teaches us that our minds, words and deeds should be pure like its water. He added that cleanliness of Ganga reflects purity in our hearts and the river’s eternity carries the message of continuity in life. According to President Kovind, it would be inappropriate for anyone to consider the Ganga as just a river, for it is the lifeline of the Indian culture and the carrier of spirituality and faith. He further added that because the
Ganga connects Indians from every corner of the world with their motherland, culture, and tradition of India, Ganga is therefore, the identity of the people of India.
The President mentioned how holding discussions on such topics are not only relevant, but will also assist in ensuring people’s participation, simultaneously paving the way for the development of mankind. He said that the protection and promotion of environment and culture in India can only happen when the Ganga remains uninterrupted and clean, and keeping Ganga clean is not only the duty of the governments, but also the social and individual responsibility of all citizens.