Work and Play in Equal Measure - Rally for Rivers in January 2019

Swami Vivekananda said, kicking a football will take you closer to the Divine than any amount of prayer. In this month the dynamic group of young individuals, known as Nadi Veeras, took some time off to bring more playfulness into their activity, and remember that it is in celebration that they intend to revive our rivers. Their focus and commitment to working towards establishing Rally for Rivers as a movement, which lives in people’s minds and hearts, received new impetus thanks to this spirit of celebration.

National Youth Day Celebrations 2019

Right from the inception of Rally for Rivers, the Nadi Veeras have connected deeply with Swami Vivekananda’s inspiring thoughts. Especially when Sadhguru cited Swami Vivekananda’s “call to youth”, that stirred these young people into rearranging their entire lives to become a part of the Rally for Rivers initiative.

On January 12, Swami Vivekananda’s birthday, also known as “National Youth Day”, was celebrated by the Nadi Veeras in a grand manner at the Isha Yoga Center. They used the occasion to create a platform for everyone including guests, students and volunteers to enjoy and relive their youth.

Sadhguru’s call to the youth of this nation still reverberates in our hearts. Sadhguru’s mention of Swami Vivekananda’s call encouraged all of us to think bigger than ourselves and come forward for this cause. Swami Vivekananda has been a source of inspiration and a role model for many of us.” - Sai, Nadi Veera

A whole week of fun and games was planned and carried out by the Nadi Veeras, leading up to National Youth Day. They experienced the beauty of working together like an “organism” when things happen smoothly, in spite of their rigorous project schedules, limited time and resources. The celebration was fulfilled in the best possible way as the bonding and understanding deepened many relationships and their purpose found beautiful expression.

National Youth Day - Rally For Rivers — Youth Week Events, such as pictionary, physical challenge, organic challenge, 5k marathon, and a treasure hunt were the celebratory expressions of mental and physical strength.

It was also a significant day for reflection as the Nadi Veeras all took up a personal resolution on one thing that they will change or do to make themselves better in this year.

evening — *The presentation of the final day cultural program at Isha Yoga Center left the guests with joy and satisfaction.*

Sharing:

“The National Youth Day celebration became a ground for me to experience the wisdom coming to us through the words of Sadhguru and Swami Vivekananda. I remembered what Sadhguru spoke about focusing on the process with absolute involvement, and being inclusive.

During the organizing of all the events, my mind was going in so many directions and many tasks were running parallel, but amid all this I felt a certain stability and calmness in me and experienced an increase in awareness and energy. I experienced a huge growth and learned many practical lessons during National Youth Day.”

- Prahlad, Nadi Veera

Republic Day

The Nadi Veeras attended a flag hoisting ceremony which was presided over by the Deputy Superintendent of Police of Perur, Shri Vel Murugan.

A special video was released on the day...

Cauvery Calling

Titled “Cauvery Calling”, a Detailed Project Report draft was submitted by the Rally for Rivers Team to the Karnataka Government for the Cauvery River Basin revival, which includes the plans of an awareness campaign planned for later this year.

Pongalo Pongal!

Maattu Pongal was celebrated at Isha Yoga Center. A main feature was the cattle display organized to raise the awareness about diminishing native breeds. While they enjoyed feeding the cattle, the Nadi Veeras also engaged in cultural activities like making pongal and dancing.

Nursery Training

Nadi Veeras underwent tree planting and agro forestry training from the experts of Project GreenHands.

Editor’s Note: We are looking forward to a major scaling up in on-ground action in 2019. Join us and become a part of the driving force. Register to volunteer full-time at RallyforRivers.org