FEATURES
Swachh Vrindavan Abhiyan
Vrindavan, the abode of Lord Sri Krishna and the crest jewel of Braj, has a history of about 5000 years and is spread over 3800 square km. The ancient heritage of Braj, centered around Krishna, has been celebrated in art, music, song, literature, poetry, dance and drama. The glories of Vrindavan have been extolled in the sacred texts and revealed scriptures.
‘Vrindavan dham is a place of ever-increasing joy. Flowers and fruits of all seasons grow there, and that transcendental land is full of the sweet sound of various birds. All directions resound with the humming of bumblebees, and it is served with cool breezes and the waters of the Yamuna. Vrindavan is decorated with wish-fulfilling trees wound with creepers and beautiful flowers. Its divine beauty is ornamented with the pollen of red, blue and white lotuses. The ground is made of jewels whose dazzling glory is equal to a myriad of suns rising in the sky at one time. On that ground is a garden of desire trees, which always shower divine love. In that garden is a jewelled temple whose pinnacle is made of rubies. It is decorated with various jewels, so it remains brilliantly effulgent through all seasons of the year. The temple is beautified with bright-colored canopies, glittering with various gems, and endowed with ruby-decorated coverings and jewelled gateways and arches. Its splendour is equal to millions of suns, and it is eternally free from the six waves of material miseries. In that temple there is a great golden throne inlaid with many jewels. In this way one should meditate on the divine realm of the Supreme Lord, Sri Vrindavan Dham.’
Despite its historical and global appeal, lacunae in Vrindavan’s waste management, state of forests and water bodies have caused health and environmental concerns. Locals complain that rapid and unplanned urbanisation has negatively affected Vrindavan’s heritage and culture.
Vrindavan Heritage Tower is committed to play a vital role in improving the situation. Our intent is to contribute to the Swachh Vrindavan Abhiyan and preserve the beauty and sanctity of the holy land of Vrindavan.
Our team visits different locations in Vrindavan to implement the cleanliness drive. They thoroughly clear the garbage and dust accumulated in an area. Abandoned spaces, narrow lanes, and pavements are cleaned along with the main streets. Drains and waste discharge channels are also cleaned to prevent clogging and overflow. Special focus is given to ensure that holy sites where Lord Krishna performed His pastimes are maintained neatly. These activities will preserve the sanctity of the lila sthalis and help devotees to appreciate the spiritual significance of Vrindavan properly.
These initiatives are not without its challenges. The hardworking members of Vrindavan Heritage Tower Swachta Abhiyan deal with constantly teeming crowds, rush hour traffic, extreme weather conditions, civic apathy, and many such on-ground problems. Despite these difficulties, we have been able to make steady progress and contribute to the cleanliness drive.
Swachh Vrindavan Abhiyan is crucial to keep pace with development and protect the spiritual essence of Braj Bhoomi. This programme is in line with our objective to place Lord Krishna on the world mindscape and His beloved Vrindavan on the world map.
The missionaries of Vrindavan Heritage Tower have been involved in ‘Swachta Hi Seva’ campaign initiated by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reinforce the concept of cleanliness among students and generate greater public participation. We have also introduced the ‘Swachh Vidyarthi, Swachh Vidyalaya, Swachh Gruha’ initiative through The Akshaya Patra Foundation to inculcate a culture of hygiene systematically. Using these experiences, we seek to implement our cleanliness initiatives through a scientific and sustained approach. Swacch Vrindavan Abhiyan will improve the residents' quality of life and help us realise the tourism potential of Braj.
