Chirag Gupta
Patna: A mesmerising scene unfolded at NIT Ghat in Patna on the evening of 3 December as the river rafting expedition, championing the causes of women empowerment and Ganga conservation, arrived amidst loud cheers and vibrant celebrations. The gathering was marked by drumming, the NCC band’s music, and enthusiastic support from the crowd, making the evening unforgettable.
The District Ganga Committee of Patna, under the Namami Gange initiative, organized a grand reception featuring garlands, bouquets, and Namami Gange T-shirts for the team. The evening’s highlight was the Deepotsav and Ganga Aarti, followed by a continuation of events on 4 December, where the NCC’s 75th battalion and their band maintained a spirited presence throughout the day.
Urban Development and Housing Minister Nitin Naveen inaugurated the event alongside officials such as Nalin Shrivastava of the National Mission for Clean Ganga and Dolphin Research Centre Interim Director Gopal Sharma. Folk singer Neetu Kumari Navgeet performed “Maiya, Hey Ganga Maiya” in tribute to the late Padma Vibhushan Sharda Sinha, capturing the essence of the event. A Ganesh Vandana dance and lamp-lighting ceremony further enriched the program.
Deputy Development Commissioner Sameer Saurabh lauded the courage of the women-led expedition and elaborated on Namami Gange’s efforts in Patna, emphasising the importance of Ganga cleanliness and uninterrupted flow. Nalin Kumar Srivastava highlighted the expedition as a symbol of societal change, while Minister Nitin Naveen stressed the role of dolphins as indicators of a clean Ganga and pledged support for their conservation through the Dolphin Research Centre.
The evening, enriched by Neetu Navgeet’s soulful singing, left an indelible mark on attendees, symbolising the blessings of the Ganga and the expedition’s powerful message. This 2,525-km rafting journey serves not only as a testament to women’s strength but also as a call to action for Ganga conservation and societal transformation.
