In an effort to clean the Gomti River, the Indian Army’s Territorial Division has launched the River Yoga Campaign at Kudiya Ghat, Lucknow. The campaign, which runs from April 21 to June 21, 2025, aims to increase public engagement with the river, culminating on International Yoga Day.
Organized by the 137 Composite Ecological Task Force Battalion (Territorial Army) 39 Gorkha Rifles, in collaboration with Nagar Nigam Lucknow, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), and the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG-UP), the initiative covers all major ghats along the Gomti River.
Every morning, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, certified instructors lead yoga sessions for the public. This is followed by riverbank cleanliness drives. Participants, including NCC/NSS members, students, civil society organizations, and local residents, actively take part in the program.
The campaign has a weekly thematic focus, with topics such as “Plastic-Free Ghats,” “Healthy Rivers, Healthy Lives,” and “Mindfulness by the River.” These themes aim to raise awareness about the connection between environmental sustainability and personal well-being.
Professor Venkatesh Dutta from the Department of Environmental Science at BBAU commended the initiative, saying, “The River Yoga Campaign is a unique opportunity that connects the spiritual, social, and ecological aspects of life. It brings people closer to the river, both physically and emotionally.”
Major Kanwardeep Singh Nagi of the Ecological Task Force emphasized the broader impact of the campaign, stating, “This initiative is not just about yoga or cleanliness in isolation; it fosters a culture of ecological mindfulness and collective action. We are seeing inspiring participation from people of all backgrounds.”
The campaign will conclude on June 21, 2025, with a grand mass yoga demonstration, an exhibition showcasing the campaign’s highlights, and a ceremony to honor outstanding contributors at Kudiya Ghat.
Related Topics:
