Third International Conference on Sarasvati River at PU

Chandigarh, February 8, 2019: The Panjab University, Chandigarh in collaboration with the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB) organized Third International Conference on Sarasvati River on the theme of “Agriculture Practices and Archaeological Evidences & Exploration along Sarasvati River Palaeochannel”, here today. Padam Shri Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, the renowned environmentalist, was the Chief Guest of the day. He welcomed the move of rejuvenation and rediscovery of River Sarasvati by saying that the people are becoming aware about the importance of water resources and their preservation. He said that it is a matter of contradiction that on one side we worship the river and on the other side we pollute them. Without a proper waste water management, the talk of rejuvenating the lost rivers would be a futile exercise. Professor Ram Gopal, Chairman, Research Advisory Board for Indian Research Institute for Integrated Medicine, Howrah, in his keynote address highlighted the initiatives of ISRO and DRDO in the study of Sarasvati’s Palaeochannels in Rajasthan and use of Satellite technology for the management of India’s water resources. Shri Ajit Balaji Joshi, CEO, HSHDB spoke about the importance of the project of rediscovering River Sarasvati. He said that the Haryana Government is planning to develop three dams out of which one would be constructed at Adi-Badri – the place of origin of River Sarasvati. He asked scholars to explore the importance of River Sarasvati, which is deeply ingrained in the popular and public psyche in India. Thus, River Sarasvati according to Shri Ajit Balaji Joshi is a part of our inner core. Professor Balram Singh, Institute of Advanced Science, Dartmouth belongs to an advanced rural area of USA, from which a country like India can learn to manage its natural resources. Earlier, Professor Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Panjab in his welcome address said that on the basis of conclusions and findings of the conference a work plan would be prepared and submitted to the government. He also highlighted the significance of Sarasvati as a River and Civilization itself. PU VC underlined the significance of River Sarasvati in the formation of Triveni or Sangam in Uttar Pradesh and therefore, it is our prime duty to revive and rejuvenate on the River Sarasvati. Professor Anju Suri, Chairperson, Department of History and Convener of the Conference introduced the theme of the conference. She traced the historical journey of River Sarasvati and highlighted the role of it in the formation of Indian Civilization. Ms. Deepa, Research Officer, HSHDB, and Co-Convener of the Conference proposed Vote of Thanks.