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Praise of Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal By Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India
ALL INDIA RADIO ADDRESS ON TECHNOLOGY DAY Dear citizens, my greetings to all of you on this Technology Day. On this day every year, I have decided that I would like to share with you, the technological progress made in our country towards enriching the society, signifying our national spirit that “we can do it”. Technology day is a day to commit all of us to use the tools of technologies to transform India into a Developed nation. Based on my visits to laboratories and participating in Science, Technology and Industry forum and our detailed analysis, I would like to highlight to the listeners the milestones and the progress India has achieved technologically in the year 2003-2004. We had received hundreds of inputs from our technological community across the nation in various disciplines. For brevity, I would like to discuss nine technological events, which have the potential to penetrate into our economy and assist the transformation of our society. They are: Seed Cotton Productivity; Electricity Generation from Municipal Waste; A Brand in Automobile Technology; Fast Breeder Reactor; Birth of an Indian Cryogenic Engine; Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) crossing the Sonic Barrier; Mapping the Neighborhood by the Children; Synergy Mission for Environmental Upgradation and Digital Library in every Panchayat. Synergy Mission for Environmental Upgradation The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. I am delighted to learn the Kali Bein rivulet, the place where Gurunanak Dev is said to have received enlightenment and which had over the centuries turned literally into a sewage ridden, weed choked drain, is today flowing clean and proud due mainly to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last three and a half years by deploying on an average 3000 volunteer workers per day. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government about a year ago. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had became dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. Baba not only did the cleaning up operation by clearing Bein from the weeds and hyacinth, but also built bathing ghats at five places. He also built more than 100 km long kutcha road on the bank of the rivulet.
ADDRESS AT THE LAUNCHING OF THE PEOPLE'S FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ENLIGHTENED CITIZENSHIP I am indeed delighted to participate in the launching of the people foundation for development of enlightened citizenship in continuation of the spiritual meet at Surat where H.H. Acharya Mahaprajna was present. I greet the spiritual leaders, intellectuals, thinkers, social reformers and Gandhians for participating in this mission. God commands service from His creation My visits to Apapuri, School of yoga, Khanquah Rahmani, Maha boodhi temple, Takht Shri Harmandir Sahib in Bihar and Matha Vaishnav Devi, Hazaratbal, Buddhist monastery, Gurudwara Shri. Patthar Sahib in J&K and interaction with inmates of Orphanages and 400,000 students gave me a glimpse of the fabric of connectivity and the aspiration of our people. I have also visited a number of shrines in other parts of the country like Ajmer, Tirupati, Kochi, Amritsar, Nizamuddin at Delhi and Rameshwaram.
ADDRESS AT THE INAUGURATION OF INDIA COUNTRY-LEVEL DEVELOPMENT MARKETPLACE Project Siruthuli: This is an initiative started by Coimbatoreans for Coimbatoreans. This ecological project aims to bring back the glory of Coimbatore and its rich heritage. The project is represented by people from all walks of life and professionally organized. The primary focus is on large scale rain water harvesting, afforestation, sewage / waste water treatment and solid waste management. They have already standardized five of the nine primary tanks in Coimbatore for large scale rainwater harvesting. Over 600 saplings have been planted on the bunds of the desilted tanks and are being maintained. They are moving towards a target of planting 15 lakh trees by the end of 2005. The comprehensive study has indicated outlet of the city sewage as 10 million litres per day. A pilot plant is being taken up for sewage treatment to treat one million litres per day. The treated water will be sold to the agriculturists and industrialists as a revenue earning measure. The garbage and debris to the extent of over 26,000 cubic meters in one of the city’s largest tank have been removed. These are the major achievements for developing a growing city.
The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of the development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. I am delighted to learn the Kali Bein rivulet, the place where Gurunanak Dev is said to have received enlightenment and which had over the centuries turned literally into a sewage ridden, weed choked drain, is today flowing clean and proud, mainly due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last three and a half years by deploying on an average 3000 devotees per day of the Gurudwara who have become volunteer workers for the mission. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government about a year ago. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had became dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. Baba with the volunteers, not only did the cleaning up operation by clearing Bein from the weeds and hyacinth, but also built bathing ghats at five places. He also built more than 100 km long kutcha road on the bank of the rivulet. ADDRESS AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE SEMINAR ON TOURISM Civic Awareness The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy. This is essential for better health conditions of all the citizens and also for presenting a wholesome and aesthetic atmosphere for us and also the tourists visiting our country. It is essential that we keep all our places of worship and rivers clean and tidy to preserve their innate divinity. Each one of the States may promulgate appropriate local laws for promoting harmonious environment in their regions. This will be the first step needed to promote tourism in our country. Here I would like to share with you the experience of Kali - Bein River in Punjab cleaning operation. Synergy Mission for Environmental Upgradation The place where Gurunanak Dev is said to have received enlightenment and which had over the centuries turned literally into a sewage ridden, weed choked drain, is today flowing clean and proud due mainly to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last three and a half years by deploying on an average 3000 volunteer workers per day. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government about a year ago. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had became dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. Baba not only did the cleaning up operation by clearing Bein from the weeds and hyacinth, but also built bathing ghats at five places. He also built more than 100 km long kutcha road on the bank of the rivulet. INTERACTION WITH THE STUDENTS OF THE GANDHI INSTITUTE OF COMPUTER EDUCATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2004: Mumbai I am delighted to be with the students of Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology. I greet the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for providing computer education to the youth, particularly the economically weaker section of the society and also for Bhavan’s intellectual, cultural and educational missions. Now, I would like to answer some of the questions that you have asked. Question: Sir, Technology mission is the road map to development. But how to make the road itself smooth for success? We see so many hurdles due to diversity of this country - Gaurav Thakur Ans. When you are in a big mission you are bound to encounter some problems. We should face the problems and solve. Problems should not be allowed to become our master. We should defeat the defeatist tendency and proceed. We will definitely win. Quesion. Sir, you are concerned with societal transformation. How to achieve optional social discipline which is necessary for an accelerated growth. - S. Prabhu Ans. Role models are required for promoting societal transformation and social discipline. Recently, I have come across Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government has successfully cleaned up the 160 Kms. long Kali Bein rivulet purely by using volunteers interested in such missions. This task has been accomplished in a period of three and a half years. We need thousands of such local initiatives for accelerated growth. ADDRESS AT THE IPI-INDIA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM 2004
Synergy Mission for Environmental Upgradation The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. I am delighted to learn the Kali Bein rivulet, the place where Gurunanak Dev is said to have received enlightenment and which had over the centuries turned literally into a sewage ridden, weed choked drain, is today flowing clean and proud due mainly to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people's participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last three and a half years by deploying on an average 3000 volunteer workers per day. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government about a year ago. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had became dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. Baba not only did the cleaning up operation by clearing Bein from the weeds and hyacinth, but also built bathing ghats at five places. He also built more than 100 km long kutcha road on the bank of the rivulet. While I was thinking how we should solve the problem of improving the environment of rivers and religious places, I find one of our enlightened citizens has taken the initiative and demonstrated the power of ignited individuals to solve societal problem. Let this model spread in all the places of divine worship and inspire the pilgrims to participate in the divine task of clean environment in water and air. "Thousands of such local initiatives are needed for making our country green." Finally I would like to talk about producing electricity through municipal waste which has three-fold advantages. The scheme improves the environment, releases hectares of land occupied in dumping municipal waste and augments electric power to the grid. ADDRESS AT THE LOKPRIYA GOPINATH BORDOLOI AWARD FOR NATIONAL INTEGRATION, GUWAHATI. God commands service from His creation My visits to Apapuri, School of yoga, Khanquah Rahmani, Maha boodhi temple, Takht Shri Harmandir Sahib in Bihar and Matha Vaishnav Devi, Hazaratbal, Buddhist monastery, Gurudwara Shri. Patthar Sahib in J&K and interaction with inmates of Orphanages and five hundred thousands students gave me a glimpse of the fabric of connectivity and the aspiration of our people. I have also visited a number of shrines in other parts of the country like Ajmer, Tirupati, Kochi, Amritsar, Nizamuddin at Delhi and Rameshwaram. The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. I am delighted to learn that the Kali Bein rivulet, the place where Gurunanak Dev is said to have received enlightenment and which had over the centuries turned literally into a sewage ridden, weed choked drain, is today flowing clean and proud due mainly to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last three and a half years by deploying on an average 3000 devotees per day of the Gurudwara who have become volunteer workers for the mission. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government about a year ago. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had became dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. Baba with the volunteers, not only did the cleaning up operation by clearing Bein from the weeds and hyacinth, but also built bathing ghats at five places. He also built more than 100 km long kutcha road on the bank of the rivulet. INAUGURAL ADDRESS AT THE NATIONAL WATER CONVENTION 2005
The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. I am delighted to learn the Kali Bein rivulet, the place where Gurunanak Devji is said to have received enlightenment. Over the years this rivulet has turned into weed choked drain. Recently river is clean due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last three and a half years by deploying on an average 3000 volunteer pilgrims per day. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government about a year ago. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had become dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. While I was thinking how we should solve the problem of improving the environment of rivers and religious places, I find one of our enlightened citizens has taken the initiative and demonstrated the power of ignited individuals to solve societal problem. Let this model spread in all the places of divine worship and inspire the pilgrims to participate in the task of clean environment in water and air. “Thousands of local initiatives will make India green.”
PRESENTATION BY SIRUTHULI AND INTERACTION WITH STUDENTS, COIMBATORE
Synergy mission in Kali Bein The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. I am delighted to learn the Kali Bein rivulet, the place where Gurunanak Devji is said to have received enlightenment. Over the years this rivulet has turned into weed choked drain. Recently river is clean due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last three and a half years by deploying on an average 3000 volunteer pilgrims per day. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkiana Barrage by the government about a year ago. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had become dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. While I was thinking how we should solve the problem of improving the environment of rivers and religious places, I find one of our enlightened citizens has taken the initiative and demonstrated the power of ignited individuals to solve societal problem. Let this model spread in all the places of divine worship and inspire the pilgrims to participate in the task of clean environment in water and air. "Thousands of local initiatives like Siruthuli and Kali Bein will make India green." Press Information Bureau Government of India Kolkata PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS AT THE CONCLUDING CEREMONY OF DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF PRESS CLUB, KOLKATA
July 13, 2005 Synergy mission in Kali Bein: The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. I am delighted to learn the Kali Bein rivulet, the place where Gurunanak Devji is said to have received enlightenment. Over the years this rivulet has turned into weed choked drain. Recently river is clean due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last five years by deploying on an average 3000 volunteer pilgrims per day. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government about two years ago. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had become dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. These are the major achievements of voluntary organisations required to be celebrated by the Press. This resulted in generation of an Oath to be taken by pilgrims visiting the places of worship ADDRESS AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT-AWARENESS-ENFORCEMENT, NEW DELHI
"The important thing is not to add I am indeed delighted to participate in the inauguration of the International Conference on Environment-Awareness- Enforcement. My greetings to Hon’ble Justices, legal luminaries, pollution control specialists, educationists, societal transformers, environmental planners and students. India is in a growth trajectory. Higher the growth in society, the magnitude of the pressure put on the environment proportionately increases. Our growth has to be sustainable and also must ensure that it does not make environment non-livable to the posterity. Landmark Judgements on Environment Whenever environment all around us, reaches a stage of high damage potential, timely intervention by courts will have a positive impact. This has been noticed in cases such as introduction of CNG operated automobiles, environment protection in Dehra Dun and closure of pollution intensive institutions particularly in residential areas. There are many judgements given which have had a positive effect on the environment. Judgements on Environmental protection by the Court of Law, alertness of official mechanism and the peoples participation in an integrated way will definitely bring in sustainable development with the environmental ethics embedded in the peoples way of life. I have come across during my recent visit to all the States in the country, including the rural areas, certain unique movement in the cleanliness and environmental protection which I thought of sharing with you. Synergy Mission for Environmental Upgradation: The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. I am delighted to learn the Kali Bein rivulet, the place where Gurunanak Devji is said to have received enlightenment. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last three and a half years by deploying on an average 3000 volunteer pilgrims per day. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkiana Barrage by the government about a year ago. Over the years this rivulet has turned into weed choked drain. Recently river is clean due to the efforts of a social reformer Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had become dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal had gone to all the factory owners in the area and requested them to ensure that they do not divert the water into Bein river. He has asked them to take it to a separate pit, helped them to treat the water and the fresh water was brought into the river. This was definitely a pro-active step by a social reformer in protecting the environment. Question:
There are several polluted ponds lying unattended and deserted in villages of Punjab. Can we have a system of schools adopting at least one pond each for rejuvenating them? Name Preina, X-F Age Not Available Institution B.C.M. Arya Model Sr. Secondary School City Ludhiana Answer:
The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. In this connection I would like to narrate the improvement of Kali Bein rivulet, the place where Gurunanak Devji is said to have received enlightenment. Over the years this rivulet has turned into weed choked drain. Recently river is clean due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last five years by deploying on an average 3000 volunteer pilgrims per day. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had become dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. I am sure this model can be followed by the children of B.C.M. Arya Model Sr. Secondary School and others schools in Punjab. This will definitely be an important societal mission.
ADDRESS AT THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2006, BANGALORE
06-06-2006: Bangalore
Clean Environment is a Societal Mission
I am indeed delighted to participate in the World Environment Day 2006 organized by Karnataka?s State Pollution Control Board. My greetings to legal luminaries, pollution control specialists, educationists, societal transformers, environmental planners and students. India is in a growth trajectory. Higher the growth in society, the magnitude of the pressure put on the environment proportionately increases. Our growth has to be sustainable and also must ensure that it does not make environment non-livable to the posterity.
On this occasion, I would like to share with you three important features that I have observed during my visit to various states in our country and abroad. The first one is municipal waste disposal and power generation, the second one the fly-ash clearing leading to an economical activity and the third one is the synergy mission for environmental upgradation.
Synergy Mission for Environmental Upgradation
The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have to keep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. I am delighted to learn that the Kali Bein rivulet is the place where Gurunanak Devji is said to have received enlightenment. From the discussions, I understand that Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, a social reformer organized people's participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last four and a half years by deploying on an average 3,000 volunteer pilgrims per day. Over the years this rivulet has turned into weed choked drain. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government about a year ago. Now, the river is clean due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had become dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal had gone to all the factory owners in the area and requested them to ensure that they do not divert dirty / effluent into Bein river. He has asked them to take it to a separate pit, helped them to treat the water and then brought into the river. This was definitely a pro-active step by a social reformer in protecting the environment.
Address at the launching of the Post-Centenary Golden Jubilee Celebrations of University of Mumbai, Mumbai 18 July 2006 Creative Leaders “Inspired minds transcend limitations”
I am indeed delighted to be in the University of Mumbai to participate in the Post-Centenary Golden Jubilee Celebrations and the students Centric Leadership Tomorrow Summit. I take this opportunity to congratulate all the teachers, students and staff of this University and all those who have contributed during various phases of the university in promoting excellence in educational standards during the last 150 years.
Leadership in Environment upgradation
The status of environmental cleanliness is one of the indicators of development of a nation. As a nation, we have tokeep our environment clean and tidy including all our places of worship and rivers. I am delighted to learn the Kali Beinrivulet, the place where Gurunanak Devji is said to have received enlightenment. Over the years this rivulet has turned into weed choked drain. Recently river has become clean due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal in partnership with the Punjab State Government. From the discussions, I understand that he organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last four and a half years by deploying on an average 3000 volunteer pilgrims per day. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government about a year ago. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had become dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. While I was thinking how we should solve the problem of improving the environment of rivers and religious places, I find one of our enlightened citizens has taken the initiative and leadership and demonstrated the power of ignited individuals to solve societal problem. Let this model spread in all the places of divine worship and inspire the pilgrims to participate in the task of clean environment in water and air. VISIT TO KALI BEIN AT SULTANPUR LODHI17-08-2006: Sultanpur The Noble MissionI am delighted to be on the banks of Kali Bein river which has been purified through the action of volunteers under the leadership of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal. I congratulate the Babaji and his team for their perseverance in organizing the cleaning of Kali Bein river and arranging continuous flow of water leading to improvement in ground water availability in the region. Babaji during the last two decades has worked on educational projects provided knowledge to the children and started preparing roads in the backward area of Punjab. He is popularly known as Saint of Roads. In addition, he had planted numerous fruit orchards on the wasteland along the roads and rivers. His major contribution is the installation of a low cost underground sewage system in many villages and towns in Jalanadhar, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur districts. This I consider as a noble mission. When I am in the midst of societal transformers, I would like to give some examples of environmental upgradation taking place in different parts of the country. First I would like to talk about Project-Siruthuli which has made marked change in bringing back the ecological profile of Coimbatore. Taking the lead from the mission of Babaji, I would like to put forth a thought for consideration of all the people visiting the major places of worship. Every day, at least five hundred thousand people on an average will be going to different places of worship in the country and offering prayers. Normally when we go to a religious place we pray for our happiness and prosperity. At the place of worship, shall we suggest, display of the following vows. Each devotee can take any one of them as a thanks giving for The Almighty: 1. I will activate at least one water pond in my village. 2 On return from this place of worship, I will remove all enmity within my family and any court cases I will withdraw. 3. On return from this place of worship, I will plant five fruit-bearing tree. 4. I will not gamble and succumb to any addiction. 5. I will give equal importance for male and female children in providing education and rights for growth of our society. 6. I will lead from now onwards a righteous life free from corruption. I feel in this graceful occasion, even ten percent of the devotees take any one of the vows and practice it, it will bring great peace to the society, stability to the society and above all the enriched societal life. My best wishes to Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal and his team for success in their noble mission of promoting the environment, improving the quality of life of people and creating a beautiful atmosphere for national and international visitors. May God bless you. ADDRESS DURING THE DEDICATION OF THE UPPER KRISHNA PROJECT TO THE NATION, ALMATTI
21-08-2006 : Almatti, Karnataka Integrated water mission: "Time is the essence of development"
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Service to Society is a Beautiful Mission
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In 2006, I was in Punjab. There, I visited Sultanpur Lodhi and saw the marvellous development which has taken place on the river Kali Bein. I was delighted to see the rejuvenated Kali Bein, the place where the revered Sikh Guru Gurunanak Devji is said to have received enlightenment. Over the years this rivulet had turned into weed choked drain. Now, river is clean due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal , a priest in a Gurudwara temple and his team. Babaji had organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last five years by deploying on an average 3,000 kar sevak (volunteer pilgrims) per day. Today one can feel the flow of fresh water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had become dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. Also, I saw speed boats running on the river. The 3 kms stretch which I physically saw was a beautiful site to watch with nice bathing ghats, tree orchards on the bank of the river and well laid out roads parallel to the river. I also saw the great happiness of giving on the faces of the volunteers who had physically participated in this task. |
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Address at the 8th Anniversary of cleanliness of Natural Water Resources in Nirmal Kuteya, Sultanpur Lodhi
27/Jul/2008 : Sultanpur Lodhi
"Rivers are our Life
Cleanliness is a God’s Mission
I am delighted to be in Sultanpur Lodhi once again where Gurunanak Dev ji has stayed for 14 years nine months and 13 days. Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal rightly chose the mission of purifying the sacred Kali Bein river eight years ago and has brought to the present stage of cleanliness in the last eight years through the persistent effort of the Kali Bein volunteers. I congratulate the Babaji and spiritual volunteers for their perseverance in organizing the cleaning of Kali Bein river and arranging continuous flow of water leading to improvement in ground water availability in the region, apart from laying beautiful roads, bathing ghats and creating environment friendly orchards along the 160 kilometers of Kali Bein stretch. The major contribution of Babaji and his team is leading to the installation of a low cost underground sewage system in many villages and towns in Jalanadhar, Kapurtala and Hoshiarpur districts. This I consider as a noble mission. I would like to talk on the topic “Rivers are our Life”.
What is a clean river? Natural water flows from original water sources. No affluent is allowed to reach the original water source or the river. River water has a continuous flow and recharge. De-silting is done periodically. River can also become a smart waterway. These are the rivers, I visualize our nation to have in all parts of the country. Polluted river is a liability for national health. Clean rivers make the nation healthy. I am happy, Kali Bein river indeed is trying to set a standard for such type of clean rivers. All government institutions, industries and homes in every panchayat and municipalities are partners in making a river clean and maintain them, leading to a healthy nation.
Integrated Zero Waste Management
Recently, I came across a total sanitation programme organized at Gandhi Nagar town Panchayat in Vellore district. Here the Panchayat authority in collaboration with non-government organization has been able to segregate the waste into organic and inorganic items. They have formed men self help groups and women self help groups for managing the waste in the Panchayat. These groups have established roadside dustbins, which are emptied regularly. They also have special services for hotels and marriage halls. The drainage system in the village is being cleaned thrice in a week. The fault reporting system is so efficient that sanitation faults in the village are attended to and rectified on the same day. A village having two thousand four hundred families generate garbage of over 48 tonnes per year. This garbage is converted into manure and recyclable waste generating over Rupees three lakhs in revenue. All the two thousand four hundred families in the village are able to have a clean green village just by paying around ten rupees per month per family. The scheme provides employment to number of people who are paid employees of the Panchayat. Part of the funds required for the payment of these employees is generated by the sale of manure and recyclable waste. This appears to be a self-generating system and is economical. I would suggest the local citizens in each village to have a mission of clean home, clean neighbourhood leading to clean village. Since, clean villages will make clean blocks, clean blocks will make clean districts, clean districts will make clean state and finally clean districts will make a clean nation.
Role of Panchayats and Municipalities
Office bearers of the Panchayats have to facilitate the action of citizens for a clean home and a clean neighbourhood in their Panchayat. In this connection, I would like to share with you the experience of Keerapalayam Village in Tamil Nadu.
Keerapalayam Experience: In August 2004, I had visited Keerapalayam Panchayat in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. When I was discussing with the Panchayat Board office-bearers, I found that every one of the thousand one hundred and twenty five dwelling units in the Panchayats had sanitary facilities. Also it was interesting to find that the women in the village had acquired masonary and plumbing skills and they had been responsible for constructing the household toilets. They not only constructed toilets for the houses in their Panchayats but also went to neighbouring villages and provided this facility on an entrepreneurial basis. This method has provided employment opportunities to the women and also enabled the Panchayat area clean, tidy and free from diseases arising out of poor sanitary conditions. Similarly effort has been reported from Tamarai Kulam Panchayat, Ramanathapuram District.
Close Loop System of Waste Management: With the depleting water resources cleanliness is possible only if we have a system of recycling and recharging of toilet water including the linkage to water harvesting in every home. There is a need to connect the individual toilets to a common sewerage system for central disposal without which all the efforts taken in providing hygienic toilet facilities in individual dwellings may not yield the desired results. I have come across a model which has been executed by Shri H.G.S. Gill, an NRI at Karodi village in Hoshiyarpur District, Punjab, very close to Martyr Bhagat Singh birth place. He has used a technology through which individual toilets are connected to a central village sewerage system which is being taken to a remote place through underground closed drainage system. There is an open sewerage tank exposed to sun, where the waste is constantly agitated and water gets separated. Also, the sewerage water is treated and is being used for agricultural purposes. Mr. Gill is ensuring that the individual households are maintaining their sanitation system without being blocked and the central system is also being maintained through specially trained staff for this purpose. After few months, the central tank is cleaned the solid waste is converted as manure and used for agricultural purposes. He is extending this model to many villages in Hoshiyarpur District. I would suggest the Municipalities in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar districts to associate Shri Gill in this programme of total village or town cleanliness leading to a clean Kali Bein River.
Electricity Generation from Municipal Waste: A serious problem has arisen both in rural and urban areas due to the accumulation of municipal solid waste. Efficient and environmentally clean disposal of garbage has always been a major technological challenge. While being a threat to the environment, mounting garbage is also a rich source of energy. The potential for converting this waste into useable energy, which will eliminate a major source of pollution, was realized by one of our innovative organizations- Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council of DST which helped in developing a completely indigenous solution for the processing of waste into a source of fuel. This fuel could, in turn, be used for generation of electricity through mini plants. Two entrepreneurs in Andhra Pradesh adopted the technology with refinement and established two independent plants in Hyderabad and Vijayawada generating over 6 megawatts of electricity each, which is being supplied to the State Grid. India needs thousands of mini power plants both in rural and urban areas using municipal waste. I would like to suggest, the municipalities in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala districts to consider installation such power plants in the major towns which will enable generation of electricity and also maintaining the area clean.
Sustainable cleanliness in Kali Bein
Now I understand that four towns namely Dasuha and Tanda in Hoshiarpur and Bhullat and Bekaowal in Kapurthala districts require systems for collection of household wastewater, treatment and supply for agricultural area, so that the effluents are not reaching the Kali Bein and making the river dirty. While talking to Mr. Ram, Principal Secretary to the Govt of Punjab, who is coordinating the Kali Bein operations mentioned that interim solution of collecting the municipal waste water is being urgently organized. In the long term, he mentioned that there will be proper training system for collection, treatment and pumping of water for irrigation. This will definitely improve the condition of Kali Bein and reduce the frequency of intermediate cleaning operations. Eventually, we have to ensure prevention of direction of effluent into the river and adequate water flow in the river for sustainable cleanliness. I am happy that due to the persistent effort of Baba Seechewal ji and his team state wide awareness about cleanliness has come in Punjab which is getting transmitted to other states as well.
Conclusion
Taking the lead from the mission of Babaji, I have been putting forth a thought for consideration of all the people visiting the major places of worship. Every day, at least five hundred thousand people on an average will be going to different places of worship in the country and offering prayers. Normally when we go to a religious place we pray for our happiness and prosperity. At the place of worship, I have suggested prominent display of the following vows. Each devotee can take any one of them as a thanks giving for The Almighty:
1. I will activate at least one water pond in my village.
2. I will spread the mission of beautiful home by setting an example and advocating to the entire neighborhood, starting from my home, the importance of environment.
3. I will work towards sustainable development with no adverse impact on the environment and in fact would contribute to bettering the environment by planting trees, keeping the streets clean, and reducing the pollution.
4. On return from this place of worship, I will remove all enmity within my family and any court cases I will withdraw.
5. I will not gamble and succumb to any addiction.
6. I will give equal importance for male and female children in providing education and rights for growth of our society.
7. I will lead from now onwards a righteous life free from corruption.
I feel in this graceful occasion, even ten percent of the devotees take any one of the vows and practice it, it will bring great peace to the society, stability to the society and above all the enriched societal life. The spiritual volunteers can also create an awareness campaign among the rural and town communities about the importance and advantages of keeping the area clean and preventing effluent flow in sacred rivers.
Now that the sanctity of Kali Bein has been restored, I would suggest Babaji and his team could work in making Yamuna in Delhi clean which is responsible for 80% of the pollution in the 22 kilometers stretch. Making Yamuna clean is definitely a national challenge which will be remembered by all the citizens of our country.
My best wishes to Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal ji and his team for success in their noble mission of promoting the environment, improving the quality of life of people and creating a beautiful atmosphere for national and international visitors.
May God bless you.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam,
27.07.2008
Oath for spiritual volunteers.
1 We are proud to have a clean Kali Bein river.
2 Clean Kali Bein River will always be a symbol of selfless service.
3 We realize a clean home results in clean village or town. Clean Village or Town leads to clean district. Clean district leads to clean water bodies including rivers. Clean rivers makes a state, healthy, happy and prosperous.
4 Oh people ! Le the experience of unity of minds created by clean Kali Bein River spread to the whole nation.
Address and Interaction with the Students of Apeejay School & other Schools of Jalandhar
27/Jul/2008 : Jalandhar
Dear friends, just now I coming from Sultanpur Lodhi and met Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal ji and his spiritual volunteers. They have worked for last eight years and carried out the noble mission of cleaning the Holy Kali Bein river. How do these rivers become dirty. It is due to the municipal waste coming from household and industrial effluents in the villages and cities. They are dumped into the river and over a period of time, they become dirty. As a youth of our nation, I would urge all of you to embark on a cleanliness movement through which you keep your homes clean, your surrounding clean and ensure that the municipality does not dump waste into rivers. This will be an important contribution of all our youth in facilitating environmental upgradation and maintaining the sanctity of our rivers.
Address during the inauguration of 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Sree Narayana Mission, Singapore
27/Aug/2008 : Singapore
Bringing dignity to society
In 2006 and July 2008, I visited Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab (India) and saw the marvelous development which has taken place on the river Kali Bein. I was delighted to see the rejuvenated Kali Bein, the place where the revered Sikh Guru Gurunanak Devji is said to have received enlightenment. Over the years this rivulet had turned into weed choked drain. Now, the river is clean due to the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, a priest in a Gurudwara temple and his team. Babaji had organized people’s participation in stopping the massive flow of sewage into the Bein and cleaned 160 km long polluted and choked rivulet within the last five years by deploying on an average 3,000 kar sevaks (volunteer pilgrims) per day. Today one can see the flow of clean water in this rivulet released from the Tarkina Barrage by the government. The revival of the rivulet has recharged the water table as the hand pumps that had become dry for the past 4 decades are now pumping out water. Also, I saw speed boats running on the river. The 3 kms stretch which I physically saw was a beautiful site to watch with nice bathing ghats, tree orchards on the bank of the river and well laid out roads parallel to the river. I also saw the great happiness of giving on the faces of the volunteers who had physically participated in this task.