,
8 tweets,
2 min read
Read on Twitter
In 1917, an agreement was signed between the British Indian government and Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya that no construction project over Ganga could be undertaken without the permission of the Hindu society. Britishers respected this agreement throughout their rule in India.
The agreement was the result of a consistent Hindu movement opposing any construction activity over Ganga that would stop Her free flow. The movement was led by Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya who articulated the arguments on behalf of the Hindu society.
The movement was started when the British government decided to build a weir over Ganga. Any obstruction to the free flow of Ganga was unacceptable to the Hindu society. The Britishers recognized this concern and called for a settlement conference on 18 December 1916 in Haridwar.
The conference was attended by government officials, engineers, many prominent Hindu Maharajas, members of Hindu Mahasabha and Hindu sanyasins. It was a great effort by Mahamana Malaviya who got many important Hindu Maharajas on board.
Mahamana articulated the position of the Hindu society.
1. Hindus have deep reverance for Ganga's free and pure flow.
2. Hindus from all over India come to Ganga believing that She will remove their sins.
1. Hindus have deep reverance for Ganga's free and pure flow.
2. Hindus from all over India come to Ganga believing that She will remove their sins.
3. No Hindu would place his material prosperity above the dictates of his conscience and his religion.
4. Even if some extra cost is incurred the feeling of the people should be soothed.
5. Thus a sufficient natural free flow should be maintained without any artificial structure
4. Even if some extra cost is incurred the feeling of the people should be soothed.
5. Thus a sufficient natural free flow should be maintained without any artificial structure
Respecting the Hindu beliefs, the Britishers agreed for a natural passage to gurantee an uninterrupted flow of Ganga. Post 1947, the 'Modern' and 'Secular' Indian State dumped the agreement (and Hindu religious beliefs) in a trash bin leading to the stagnation of the sacred Ganga
As per Hindu belief, Ganga is pure when her flow is uninterrupted. She is a living deity to Hindus and has a special place in their life journey. It is high time that the State must respect the religious beliefs of the Hindus and make Ganga aviral and nirmal again.
