Lucknow, 28 March (HS): Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's Uttar Pradesh model is also gaining traction in southern Indian states, according to Shipra Pathak, also known as Water Woman, who has walked 3,952 kilometers from Ayodhya to Rameshwaram. People in areas such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are really interested in the Yogi model, she said on Thursday. Pathak claims that under Yogi Adityanath's leadership, the daughters of Uttar Pradesh have never felt more secure. Daughters of Uttar Pradesh are certain that their voices will be heard wherever in the country, not only in our state. This is because Yogi Adityanath's name has become associated with Uttar Pradesh.
Water Woman Shipra Pathak, India's first 'padyatri' on the Ram Janaki Van Gaman Path from 'Saryu to Sagar,' began her trek at Ayodhya on November 27, 2023, and completed it in Rameshwaram on March 11, 2024. During her voyage, she went through Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and forests in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Her trip followed 'Ram Van Gaman', as recorded in the epic Ramayana.
Shipra described her travels in detail, revealing that she was escorted by a vehicle displaying the Uttar Pradesh registration number and transporting water from numerous rivers. This automobile served as a symbol of her connection to Uttar Pradesh. People everywhere she went greeted her warmly and asked whether she was from Yogi Adityanath's Uttar Pradesh, she claimed.
Shipra noted that being identified with Uttar Pradesh has become a source of national pride. UP and Yogiji have become inseparable. “Wherever I went, I was warmly greeted, and people were thrilled to find that I came from Yogi ji's state. From Ayodhya to Rameshwaram, there was a real feeling of appreciation for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's resolute leadership,” she said.
The Water Woman stated that during her latest 'Ram-Janaki Vanagaman Yatra', similar to her earlier experiences during the first Narmada Parikrama and Gomti Padyatra, she saw a lot of individuals who were all praise for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Above all, she said, he has converted Uttar Pradesh into a state that values religion and spirituality. Throughout Uttar Pradesh's development path, there has been a noteworthy agreement across all parts of society about the preservation of religious traditions and the respect for history.
Shipra stated that her group is leading a drive to alleviate the water problem through the Panchatattva program. She said that as part of the 'Ram-Janaki Van Gaman Yatra', she intends to create Ram-Janaki Van Vatika (gardens) around the country. She stressed that in order to safeguard medicinal plants, these gardens must be linked to spiritual locations, and that they would be built in conjunction with the government and the administration.
She expressed hope, stating that with the Yogi government's backing, state governments throughout the nation will automatically embrace the initiative.
Shipra Pathak, also known as Water Woman, is from Dataganj, Budaun, Uttar Pradesh. Pathak, a social activist with a master’s degree in English literature, has been actively involved in politics. Her late grandmother, Santosh Kumari Pathak, served as MLA from Dataganj four times, as did her maternal grandpa, Triveni Sahay Sharma.
Shipra has previously aggressively supported river protection via a variety of efforts, including completing a 3600-kilometer circumambulation of the Narmada, Mansarovar Lake, Shipra River, Saryu Pad Yatra, and Braj Chaurasi Kosi Pad Yatra. Her achievements have been recognized with various prizes and accolades. She is also a well-known motivational speaker who works with young people all across the country to raise awareness about national and environmental concerns.
Hindusthan Samachar/Abhishek Awasthi/Manoj