As India’s rivers continue to shrink and suffer under the combined pressures of climate change, industrial pollution, and vanishing public consciousness, a new initiative is attempting to reconnect citizens to their rivers—not through engineering or legal activism, but through culture.
Launched earlier this month by Indian philosopher and spiritual researcher Devrishi, the Sadanira Project is perhaps the first major attempt to revive India’s water bodies through cultural memory, ecological science, and mass awareness. The project, operating under the Sanatan Wisdom Foundation, seeks to reposition India’s rivers not just as ecological resources, but as sacred civilizational arteries that demand reverence, not just remediation.
A Nation’s Rivers in Collapse
According to data from the Central Water Commission and NITI Aayog, more than 275 rivers and tributaries in India are under “severe stress” and 70% of surface water is not fit for direct consumption. Rivers like Musi, Hindon, Kshipra, and Sabarmati—many of which were once part of vibrant cultural ecosystems—now exist in degraded and sometimes biologically dead conditions.
Environmental engineers say infrastructure can only go so far. What’s missing, they argue, is an emotional shift. And this is where Sadanira steps in.
A Cultural-Scientific Framework
The project aims to tackle river decay through a three-pronged approach:
- Cultural Documentation: Mythology, oral history, temple traditions, and local folklore related to rivers are being archived.
- Scientific Assessment: GIS mapping, satellite analysis, and water quality sampling are underway to identify ecological stress points.
- Mass Awareness: Through music, books, school programs, and digital media campaigns, the project seeks to rebuild emotional engagement.
The initiative began with the release of a river anthem titled Sadanira, sung by renowned playback singer Shaan. Simultaneously, a series of 51 documentary films directed by South Indian filmmaker Bharat Choudhary is in production, aiming to present a multimedia narrative of India’s spiritual rivers—slated for launch on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025.
A companion book, also titled Sadanira, is in the works—exploring India’s river heritage and water ethics through a blend of philosophical insight and policy analysis.
Could This Become a UNESCO Case?
What makes Sadanira notable is its potential international relevance. Experts believe the project aligns with UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage framework, which protects community practices and beliefs tied to nature and ritual. If successful, it could be one of India’s first major conservation initiatives to frame river care within the global cultural heritage conversation.
Preliminary dialogues are underway with heritage advisors and institutions to nominate river-based cultural practices for ICH recognition. If accepted, this could open doors to funding, international advocacy, and cultural tourism development focused on river regions.
Bringing Policy into the Fold
While not a government project, the Sadanira team has approached the Ministry of Jal Shakti, proposing synergy with existing programs such as Namami Gange, Catch the Rain, and Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
The proposal includes integrating Sadanira’s content into educational modules, cultural campaigns, and district-level outreach—especially in regions not covered by the Ganga basin-focused plans.
“Policy is important,” says Devrishi, “but without a shift in perception, policies remain administrative. We are trying to change how Indians feel about rivers, not just how they vote or budget for them.”
A Movement, Not Just a Campaign
With hashtags like #SadaniraMovement and #SaveOurRivers now gaining traction on social media, the project is steadily evolving into a citizen-driven movement. River walks, heritage trails, and school-based river culture modules are in development.
Importantly, the project’s team is also exploring partnerships with UNESCO-India, state water boards, and CSR arms of corporations that focus on water sustainability and education.
If the Sadanira Project succeeds in rekindling reverence for rivers, it may just offer a missing piece in India’s fragmented environmental puzzle: a cultural consciousness that doesn’t separate the sacred from the sustainable.
