Lucknow, 21 Nov (HS): India's renowned

environmentalist, Water Woman, and founder of the Panchtatva Foundation, Shipra

Pathak, presented the message of Indian water culture and environmental

conservation in the British Parliament in a historic way. She was honored as an

invited speaker from India in both houses of the London Parliament. Shipra

Pathak, a resident of Dataganj in the Badaun district of Uttar Pradesh, has had

a unique environmental journey. She walked 13,000 kilometers, planted 5.5

million trees across the country, and mobilized millions of citizens for

environmental protection. Under her leadership, the Panchtatva Foundation

transformed river rejuvenation into a public participation-based campaign.

Based on these remarkable works, the British Parliament specially invited her.

In her address, Shipra Pathak, citing the

fundamental principle of Indian civilization, Vasudhaiva

Kutumbakam, stated that India considers world welfare its cultural

responsibility. She warned that the growing water crisis could pose a serious

challenge for future generations, requiring the world to make united efforts.

In her speech, she specifically mentioned three major rivers of India—the

Narmada, which she described as the sacred ecological backbone of Central

India; the Ganga, which she described as the carrier of spiritual power and

cultural continuity; and the Gomti, the ancient heritage and lifeline of Uttar

Pradesh; and stated that Indian culture reveres rivers not just as water

sources but as living entities.

Following the session, British MPs and

environmental experts praised India's river rejuvenation model, calling Shipra

Pathak's work extremely inspiring. They expressed keen interest in India's

public-participatory environmental practices. As part of her program, Shipra

Pathak will study London's River Thames conservation model and participate in a

river dialogue with British environmental experts. She will also

pay a courtesy call on the Mayor of London and visit important environmental

sites in the city. Shipra Pathak's achievement is not only a global recognition

of India's environmental heritage, but also a proud moment for Indian women's

empowerment and cultural consciousness. She said, The journey to save the

river may begin in India, but its message reaches the entire world.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi