It was a beautiful evening in a beautiful setting in Kanyakumari. The location was the serene, well laid out Vivekananda Kendra, where we were greeted by ladies dressed in their Onam best of cream and gold, bearing lamps in their hands. The participants were moved to receive such a traditional welcome.
The cars moved towards the beach, where the seafront, with its views of the rock as well as the statue of Thiruvalluvar, provided the venue. Joining Sadhguru on the dais were Actor Suhasini Maniratnam and Bhanudas Dhakras, General Secretary, Vivekananda Kendra.
Speaking first, Bhanudas Dhakras said the campaign was the need of the hour and wished the Rally good luck. In her speech, quoting Tamil poetry and even singing snatches of classical verses about rivers, Suhasini Maniratnam was lively and passionate, promising that she was going to urge many of her family and colleagues in the influential film industry to spread awareness about Rally for Rivers.
Sadhguru explained to the audience how a road trip was going to achieve rejuvenation of rivers, and also spoke of the plight of farmers who are working in such difficult circumstances, and the urgent need to restore soil and water in the country.