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From the Heart of the
Himalayas…
Raison, India, June 6, 2001
Young people from Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia,
Mauritius, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Australia, France,
South Korea and India are together today in Raison, in Himachal
Pradesh, North of India, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas
and one of the streams of the holy Beas giving a musical
rhythm to our thoughts and inspiration, to give body to
the virtual work of the past year. A true continental caravan,
which actually began its journey in Kanpur, a big industrial
township in the state of Uttar Pradesh in Northern India.
Some of the participants from neighbouring
countries joined Eco-friends (committed in the cleaning
and protection of Ganga) in Kanpur. A symbolic sharing of
true causes. "Ganga awareness trip" was the slogan
for the Kanpur starting point of the caravan. A boat ride
was organised 10 km downstream, with 50 participants carrying
banners with the message "save Ganga, save Life,"
to get a first-hand image of the pathetic situation of Ganga
in Kanpur. Even amid slashing rain, the participants could
see many a small tannery unit releasing its effluents into
the river they worship, and were shocked as their boats
floated past many an abandoned body.
During the formal meeting that ensued,
local participants, intellectuals, scholars, environmentalists,
youth and journalists shared their shock at the state of
the river and asked what measures were being taken. What
followed was a honest attempt to put the issue in perspective
- the holy river and the holy mess it is in - and the importance
of taking care of it.
Ganga, as we all know, is one of the most
important rivers in India, with a physical, religious, spiritual,
geographical and ecological significance. Forty percent
of the population is dependent on it for their food and
other needs. Ganga for the Indians is not only a river but
a goddess, an integral part of their daily life and cultural
roots since time immemorial.
After Kanpur, the caravan arrived in Delhi for an inauguration.
Though official, the session was very inspiring and gathered
distinguished Indian intellectuals, politicians, young activists,
and writers who shared their hopes, concerns, expectations
and personal experiences, while motivating the Assembly
participants to pursue their challenges resolutely, so as
to highlight the importance of an active participation of
youth with a clear focus in building a society in Asia and
the whole world.
Mr. Dig Vijay Singh, Minister for State
of Railways, officially inaugurated the forum, lending an
earnest and passionate call to the youth assembly, confirming
the vital necessity for youth to pick up follow up the flame
of democracy and freedom. He had to cancel the originally
organised state Banquet, but gave graceful evidence of good
Indian hospitality with an impromptu invitation to his home,
where his own family members mingled with us and served
us food themselves.
Truly from the heart of the Himalayas to
the heart of our problems,
Asian Youth Assembly participants
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