Mahakumbh: Shipra Pathak, the ‘Water Woman of India’, Commends CM Yogi for Clean Triveni Sangam

Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 21 (NationPress) Feeling inspired by the exceptional cleanliness and seamless flow of devotees at the revered Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Mahakumbh, Shipra Pathak, known as the ‘water woman of India’, expressed her admiration for UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday for his unwavering commitment.

Leading the ‘Ek Thali, Ek Thaila’ initiative aimed at water and environmental conservation at Mahakumbh, Shipra has successfully distributed millions of eco-friendly bags and plates with the collaboration of numerous organizations.

Commending the cleanliness throughout the Kumbh, particularly at the Triveni Sangam, she stated, “The standard of cleanliness here is remarkable. This impressive setup is the outcome of a leader who is not only a Chief Minister but also a Sadhak, Yogi, and Sanyasi. The Kumbh holds a special place in his heart, and no one could have managed it better than him.”

Shipra referred to Yogi Adityanath as the most beloved CM, sharing a personal experience from her travels.

“In November last year, I trekked from Ayodhya to Rameswaram. When I mentioned to people in Karnataka that I hailed from Ayodhya, their response was, ‘That’s Yogi’s Uttar Pradesh.’ The fact that the largest state in India is recognized with Yogi Adityanath even in a remote village in Karnataka speaks volumes about his service and dedication, extending from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Shipra Pathak has traversed 13,000 kilometers to advocate for water and environmental conservation. Her organization, Panchtatva, boasts 1.5 million members and has played a pivotal role in planting 2.5 million saplings along riverbanks.

At Mahakumbh, she is vigorously promoting awareness of cleanliness through her initiative.

She elaborated, “To ensure a pristine Kumbh, we provided bags, plates, glasses, and spoons to Akharas. If we saw a devotee with a plastic bag, we offered them an eco-friendly substitute. While we are committed to keeping our rivers clean, preserving our culture is equally vital. Rivers can be cleaned through machinery and commercialization, but without cultural preservation, the essence of Mahakumbh will vanish from the riverbanks in the future.”

Shipra Pathak, who left her professional career to dedicate herself to the conservation of rivers and forests, discussed the deep significance of Mahakumbh.

“It is not merely a festival or occurrence. Individuals from all backgrounds, communities, and beliefs gather to bathe at the Triveni Sangam, generating a unique and potent energy. Taking a dip here is not my only aim. For the past year, we have been working to ensure that those who come to bathe in the Sangam find clean and continuous water. Through environmental conservation, we have united 100 organizations that support this mission,” she stated.

Reflecting on her evolution into the 'Water Woman', Shipra shared, “From a young age, I felt a profound connection with water. My parents named me Shipra after the river. While working abroad, I noticed how clean the rivers were there, even though they are not worshipped as deities. It made me question why our rivers couldn’t be just as pristine.”

She continued, “The Narmada Parikrama was a pivotal moment for me. I noticed that in areas where Maa Narmada flows cleanly and uninterrupted, people’s finances, health, and development flourish. Conversely, where the river is polluted, lives suffer. This realization prompted my renunciation. I traveled along the Shipra, the Gomti, and journeyed from Ayodhya to Rameswaram. Our goal is not to envision a new India, but to safeguard the essence of ancient India and pass our cultural heritage to future generations.”

She concluded, “Bathing in the Triveni Sangam not only brings salvation but also enhances physical health. A healthy body is crucial for attaining salvation, and by preserving our rivers, we ensure a healthy future for all.”