Friends, today, February 21st, marks the first day of the fast at Matri Sadan Ashram in Haridwar. Brahmachari Atmabodhananda Ji has begun the hunger strike primarily against the serious misconduct of District Judge Narendra Dutt. Alongside this, there is also the demand for an uninterrupted and pollution-free, pristine Ganga River.

It may be noted that on January 31st, an indefinite fast was begun against administrative corruption, mafia practices, police brutality, and various injustices. However, on the night of February 10th, senior officials of the Haridwar administration and police came to the Matrisadan Ashram and gave a written assurance that these injustices would be addressed. Following this promise, and under the guidance of the Ashram Head, Guru Swami Shivanandaji, Brahmachari Atmabodhananda Ji withdrew his fast.

Matrisadan Ashram has been carrying forward its sacrifice, penance, and fasting movement for an uninterrupted and pollution free Ganga, for the protection of environment, nature, biodiversity, and the river’s natural form, and to reduce the dangers created by human civilization—for the sake of us all. “Let the Ganga flow uninterrupted.” Let us spread this slogan across the country. Because unless the small and large branch rivers, tributaries, canals, wetlands, ponds, and water bodies remain alive, the lifeline of the nation—the living existence of the Ganga—cannot be sustained. Friends, come forward, raise your voices to restore the Ganga to her natural state. Our goal must be to make Matrisadan Ashram’s resolve and extraordinary struggle known everywhere, through every medium, in every possible way.