A Global Call for Spiritual Awakening and Climate Action from the Sacred Soil of Prayagraj
In a landmark event at the once-in-144-years Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, spirituality and sustainability stood united on the world stage. The Kumbh Climate Conclave, hosted by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, became a powerful platform where Swami Mukundananda, founder of Jagadguru Kripalu Yog Trust, was specially invited to deliver a deeply inspiring message connecting ancient Indian faith with modern climate consciousness.
The conclave was held under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath Ji, who personally hosted and inaugurated the event. With his dynamic presence, he welcomed a distinguished gathering of saints, scholars, environmentalists, policy-makers, and thought leaders from across India and around the globe. Over 4,000 people attended, making it one of the most significant gatherings at the intersection of Dharma and environmental advocacy.
The event featured a profound keynote address by Swamijii, who was specially invited to this momentous gathering to share his insights on the deep-rooted connection between Indian spirituality and environmental stewardship.
“Climate change is not a distant threat—it is upon us now, manifesting in natural calamities and threatening the very fabric of human life,” Swamiji declared, setting the tone for a deeply reflective and solution-oriented session.
Swamiji drew from the timeless teachings of Indian scriptures, reminding the audience that our culture inherently reveres nature as divine.
- “Our shastras give great importance to planting trees—it is considered a sacred act.”
- “We revere rivers not merely as water bodies, but as divine mothers.”
- “When we approach nature with divinity and sensitivity, our mindset shifts from exploitation to harmony. We no longer consume blindly—we coexist consciously.”
He emphasised that Indian culture is not materialistic, but divine, rooted in restraint, purity, and higher purpose. Quoting Adi Shankaracharya, he said, “He who conquers his mind conquers the world.” Swamiji stressed that inner purity—so central to Indian tradition—not only elevates the self, but also refines one’s relationship with the external world, including nature.
Yogi Adityanath Ji, in his address, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgent need to revive Indian values in facing the global climate crisis. He underlined that the teachings of our sages offer time-tested frameworks for sustainable living, and that Bharat must once again lead the world by example—where Bhakti (devotion) and Karma (action) work together for the welfare of all beings.
The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj thus became more than a spiritual fair—it emerged as a global stage for ecological awakening, rooted in ancient Indian wisdom and hosted with grandeur by the state of Uttar Pradesh.
As the timeless ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the whole world is one family—echoed through the conclave, a shared vow was taken:
To live not just materially, but meaningfully.
Not just to take from nature, but to nurture it.
Let us honour this sacred call from Prayagraj—to embrace a lifestyle that is both sustainable and spiritually awakened.
