Bhopal: In a landmark initiative for environmental and cultural consciousness, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will inaugurate the ‘Sadanira Samagam’ today at 6 PM at Bharat Bhavan, under the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan.
The event marks a historic first in India, bringing together over 200 eminent personalities – scientists, archaeologists, writers, journalists, cine artists, and performers – to advocate for the conservation of rivers, water sources, and ancient water structures.
A National Effort to Reimagine Water as Heritage
Organised as a blend of cultural, intellectual, and scientific engagements, Sadanira Samagam is positioned not merely as a festival but as a collective expression of reverence and responsibility toward India’s water heritage.
The event aims to shift the narrative around rivers – not just as physical water bodies, but as symbols of civilizational memory, spirituality, and environmental consciousness.
Dignitaries, Launches, and Key Events
The inaugural ceremony will be presided over by Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Tourism and Religious Trusts and Endowments.
The event will begin with the premiere of ‘Sadanira’, a short film directed by Rishikesh Pandey.
Chief Minister Yadav will release a series of publications, including:
- Sadanira
- Prithvi Pani Ka Desh Hai…
- Amrit Jaldhara (four volumes)
- Jal Dhara
These books have been published with the support of Veer Bharat Trust, the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, and the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Folk Art and Dialect Development Academy.
Cultural Highlights and Performances
On the first day, audiences will witness–
- ‘Sound of River’, a poetic musical performance by Smita Nagdev and Rahul Sharma
- ‘Hum Nava’, a dance drama directed by renowned classical dancer Vidushi Sharma Bhate from Pune
- Screening of ‘Raga of River Narmada’, a film produced by Madhya Pradesh Madhyam and directed by Rajendra Jangle
Exhibitions: From Aquatic Life to Ancient Water Wisdom
A central feature of the Samagam is a series of thoughtfully curated exhibitions-
- Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign exhibit by the Madhya Pradesh Public Relations Department
- Photo exhibition on ancient water structures and stepwells by the Department of Archaeology, Archives, and Museums
- ‘Jalchar’, an aquatic biodiversity exhibition by MP Council of Science and Technology, Barkatullah University, and Regional Natural Science Museum, Bhopal
- ‘Amrutasya Narmada’, a photo chronicle of the Narmada Parikrama by acclaimed photographer Rajendra Jangle
A Confluence of Science, Culture, and Spirituality
This six-day confluence running until June 25, 2025, will host dialogues, performances, book launches, exhibitions, and film screenings, serving as a multi-disciplinary dialogue on water’s role in sustaining not just life but culture, identity, and public consciousness.
Through this event, Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a model state for integrating ecological thought with cultural expression, showcasing the rivers not only as lifelines but as living legacies of India’s civilizational depth.
