



Prayagraj : Shipra Pathak, fondly known as the ‘Water Woman of India,’ recently expressed her gratitude for the pristine cleanliness and uninterrupted flow of the sacred Triveni Sangam at the ongoing Mahakumbh.
She extended her heartfelt thanks to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his dedicated efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the Kumbh.
A Champion for Conservation
Shipra Pathak is not just a visitor to Mahakumbh; she actively leads the ‘Ek Thali, Ek Thaila’ campaign for water and environmental conservation.
With the support of various organizations, she has distributed lakhs of eco-friendly bags and plates to pilgrims.
Praising the exceptional cleanliness across the Kumbh, including the Triveni Sangam, she said, “The level of cleanliness here is extraordinary.
This beautiful arrangement results from efforts by a leader who, besides being a Chief Minister, is also a Sadhak, Yogi, and Sanyasi. The Kumbh is close to his heart, and no one could have managed it better.”
A Journey of Inspiration
Pathak also highlighted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s widespread popularity.
She shared an anecdote from her journey, recounting how she walked from Ayodhya to Rameswaram last November.
When she told people in Karnataka that she came from Ayodhya, their response was, “That’s Yogi’s Uttar Pradesh.” This illustrates how the largest state in India is identified with Yogi ji even in remote villages, reflecting his service, commitment, and principles from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Walking for a Cause
Shipra Pathak has walked 13,000 kilometres to promote water and environmental conservation. Her organization, Panchtatva, boasts 15 lakh members and has facilitated the planting of 25 lakh saplings along riverbanks.
At Mahakumbh, she continues to raise awareness about cleanliness through her campaign. To ensure a clean Kumbh, her team distributed bags, plates, glasses, and spoons to Akharas. If they noticed a devotee carrying a plastic bag, they provided an eco-friendly alternative.
While striving to keep rivers clean, she emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage. “Rivers can be cleaned with machines and commercialization, but without cultural preservation, there will be no Mahakumbh on the riverbanks in the future,” she remarked.
A Dedication to Cultural Preservation
Having left her business and job to dedicate herself to saving rivers and forests, Shipra Pathak spoke passionately about the profound significance of Mahakumbh. “It is not just an ordinary festival or occasion. People from all classes, communities, and ideologies come together to take a dip at the Triveni Sangam, creating a unique and powerful vibration.
For the past year, we’ve been working to ensure that those who come to take a dip in the Sangam find clean and uninterrupted water. Through environmental conservation, we’ve united 100 organizations that support this mission.”
Becoming the ‘Water Woman’
Reflecting on her journey, Shipra shared, “Since childhood, I’ve had a deep connection with water. My parents named me Shipra, after the river.
While travelling abroad for work, I noticed how clean the rivers were, despite not being worshipped as goddesses. It made me wonder why our rivers couldn’t be the same.” The Narmada Parikrama was a turning point for her, where she observed that a clean and uninterrupted flow of rivers leads to prosperity, while polluted rivers have adverse effects. This realization led her to renounce her previous life and dedicate herself to conservation. Her travels along the Shipra and Gomti rivers, and her journey from Ayodhya to Rameswaram, aim to preserve the essence of ancient India and pass on cultural heritage to the next generation.
Health and Salvation
Shipra concluded by highlighting the holistic benefits of the Triveni Sangam. “A dip in the Triveni Sangam not only offers salvation but also promotes physical health. A healthy body is essential to achieving salvation, and preserving our rivers ensures a healthy future for all.”
Through her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, Shipra Pathak continues to inspire and lead the way in conservation and cultural preservation at Mahakumbh.
Image : Collected.
