Rivers Call: The Urgent Plea from the 7th Nadi Utsav

The gentle murmur of a flowing river often hides a silent cry for help, doesn't it? Well, the recent 7th Nadi Utsav, a vibrant festival celebrating our precious rivers, certainly brought that cry to the forefront. Hosted at the illustrious Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi, this three-day event, which ran from September 24th to Friday, September 26th, 2026, was far more than just a gathering; it was a passionate plea for greater public involvement in safeguarding India’s lifelines.

You see, the heart of Nadi Utsav beats with a dual purpose: to ignite a deeper sense of responsibility towards protecting our rivers and, perhaps even more importantly, to help us reconnect with the incredible cultural and natural heritage that's intrinsically woven into their very currents. Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, the Member Secretary of IGNCA, eloquently underscored this, stressing how crucial it is for every one of us, as citizens, to step up and play an active role in this vital conservation effort. It's a collective endeavor, after all, and our rivers truly depend on it.

And it wasn't just Dr. Joshi voicing these concerns. We heard from other passionate advocates too. Ambika Pant, who serves as the Honorary Secretary for The Yamuna River Initiative (YaRI), highlighted the unique challenges facing rivers like the Yamuna – an issue close to the hearts of many in Delhi. Then there was Professor K. Anil Kumar, Chairman of IGNCA's Janapada Sampada Division, who broadened the discussion, reminding us of the rich tapestry of folklore and traditions that spring from these ancient waterways. It truly showcased how multi-faceted river conservation really is, blending ecology with culture.

One of the most compelling aspects of the festival, if you ask me, was how it leveraged the power of art to tell these river stories. The documentary film competition, in particular, offered some incredibly poignant perspectives. Devang Saikia and Bishwajit Das, for instance, shared the first prize for their moving works, 'Noir Katha – Tales of the Riverine' and 'Where Did Our River Flow To,' respectively. These films weren't just pretty pictures; they were windows into the lives and landscapes shaped by rivers like the Chambal, Betwa, Ken, and Barak, revealing their beauty and, frankly, their struggles.

The creative exploration didn't stop there, though. Jayshree Borgohain's 'When It All Went Dark' earned a well-deserved second prize, while Salma Sultana's 'Barak: Beyond the Map' took third, further illustrating the diverse narratives our rivers inspire. Beyond the screen, Naveen Vats led a fascinating talk on river photography, capturing their essence through the lens, and Phoolkumari’s theatre performance, 'Yamuna Travels Private Unlimited,' brought the Yamuna's journey to life on stage. What a way to engage! It's clear that the 7th Nadi Utsav truly succeeded in its mission: not just to talk about river conservation, but to make us feel it, to inspire us to act, and to remember that these magnificent rivers are not just water; they are life itself, and they absolutely deserve our unwavering care and protection.