Lucknow: The Bharat Vikas Parishad, Awadh Prant, inaugurated its five-day Panch Sutriya Katha Mahotsav at Sumitnath Seva Bhavan in Krishna Nagar on Friday, marking the commencement of a culturally vibrant and socially engaging festival inspired by the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The event opened with devotional fervour, traditional rituals, and a shared commitment to strengthening social responsibility.
Presiding as the chief guest, Sarojininagar MLA Dr. Rajeshwar Singh emphasised the Parishad’s five guiding principles—Sampark, Sahayog, Sanskar, Seva, and Samarpan—describing them as foundational pillars for building an empowered, vigilant, and socially conscious nation. He hailed the festival as an initiative that reinforces national awakening and nurtures collective responsibility.
Scientific Lens on the Environment: Dr. Singh’s Insightful Analysis
Dr. Singh delivered a detailed and data-backed reflection on India’s ecological challenges, highlighting the deep-rooted link between Indian culture and nature worship. He cautioned that the accelerating exploitation of natural resources has pushed the environment towards a critical tipping point.
He presented stark figures to underline the urgency:
- Between 2013 and 2023, the groundwater level in several areas of Lucknow has dropped by up to 20 metres.
- Globally, 6.7 million people die prematurely every year due to air pollution.
- In India alone, the toll stands between 1.7 to 2 million, signalling a grave public health concern.
Explaining global sustainability trends, Dr. Singh referred to World Overshoot Day, noting the alarming shift from 25 December in 1970 to 24 July in recent years.
“This means humanity is exhausting a whole year’s worth of Earth’s resources in barely half a year,” he said, calling it a warning sign for governments, communities, and individuals alike.
Sarojininagar as an Environmental Model
Dr. Singh underscored the significant strides made by Sarojininagar in environmental protection:
- The constituency accounts for over 50% of Lucknow’s total installed solar capacity.
- More than 30,000 eco-friendly bags, crafted at Tarashakti Centres, have been distributed among children to instil early awareness about sustainability.
He stressed that strong, consistent grassroots initiatives are integral to preserving ecological balance and ensuring a secure future.
Honouring Environmental Warriors
Three individuals recognised for their outstanding contributions to environmental preservation—Chandra Bhushan Tiwari (known as ‘Ped Wale Baba’), Rajendra Pratap Singh, and Vijay Saxena—were felicitated by Dr. Singh.
The event also saw the release of a special environmental booklet authored by Garima Mishra, adding scholarly depth to the discussions.
RSS Prachar Pramukh Emphasises Water Conservation
Addressing the gathering, RSS Regional Prachar Pramukh Subhash ji highlighted the critical importance of water conservation and afforestation.
“Plantation must be transformed into a people’s movement, and disciplined water use must become a habit woven into daily life,” he urged.
Organisers Appreciated for Seamless Execution
Dr. Singh extended his gratitude to organising members, especially Organisation Minister Vikrant Khandelwal and General Secretary S.K. Saxena, for their dedicated efforts. He also acknowledged the contributions of Katha Vachak Ashok Maharaj, Subhash ji, Yashodanandan ji, Birendra Singh Chaudhary, R.K. Bhadauria, Ram Autar, Shankari Singh, Parshad Geeta Devi, Sanjeev Awasthi, K.N. Singh, Ranjana Mishra, and many other dignitaries whose participation enriched the event.
With its blend of spirituality, environmental awareness, and community engagement, the Panch Sutriya Katha Mahotsav has set the stage for five days of thoughtful reflection and meaningful dialogue—anchored in culture, guided by science, and driven by collective responsibility.
