Every River is Holy: A Pledge to Protect Our Lifeline
In India, the river Ganga is often regarded as the holiest of all rivers. However, the truth is that every river is sacred and holds immense significance for the people who depend on it. Rivers are not just water bodies; they are lifelines that sustain civilizations, nurture cultures, and provide for countless lives. It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to protect them from pollution and degradation.
For the people of Sundargarh, the Ib River is not just a source of water but an inseparable part of life. It may not be a perennial river, yet it has never failed to quench our thirst. While the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati hold spiritual significance for many, it is the Ib River that has nourished us since birth. Interestingly, Ib is considered the smallest river in the world in terms of alphabets, containing just two letters. But its significance is immeasurable, and its purity must be preserved for future generations.
Rituals and Beliefs: A Personal Perspective
Hindu traditions emphasize the importance of Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three rivers, for performing rituals after death. Many believe that immersing ashes in these sacred waters grants liberation to the departed soul. However, while traditions hold their own value, I personally do not wish for any elaborate rituals to be performed for me after my passing. My only request is that my ashes be immersed in the Ib River, the very river that has sustained me throughout my life.
Moreover, I do not wish for my bones to be thrown into the river, as they may hurt someone who unknowingly steps on them. Death is inevitable, and what truly matters is not the rituals performed after death but the deeds carried out during one’s lifetime. "Service to humanity is service to God," and I have always believed in working for the betterment of people rather than being bound by ceremonial practices.
Spirituality and Responsibility
Many people find solace in performing rituals and taking a dip in the holy rivers, believing that it washes away their sins. However, one must understand that no holy bath can cleanse a corrupt heart or absolve one of wrongdoing. True spirituality lies in living a righteous life, being kind, and working for the welfare of others. A dip in the Triveni Sangam does not grant a free license to commit sins.
A Call to Action: Protecting Our Rivers
While we revere our rivers, we must also respect them by keeping them clean. Polluting rivers with industrial waste, plastic, and religious offerings contradicts the very essence of their sanctity. It is hypocritical to worship something while simultaneously harming it. Every individual must take responsibility for protecting water bodies, ensuring that the rivers that sustain life remain unpolluted and pure.
In conclusion, all rivers are holy, not just one. The Ib River has been my source of sustenance, just as countless other rivers sustain people across the country. We must remember that rivers are sacred not just because of religious beliefs but because they are essential for survival. Let us pledge to protect them—not for rituals, but for life itself.
Sanjay Pattnayak
Sundargarh
