THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

• Chairperson, Managing Committee, DPS Mathura Road, Ms. Virinda Sarup Ji,

• Vice Chairman, DPS Society, Shri Ravi Vira Gupta Ji,

• Principal, DPS, Dr. Ram Singh Ji,

• Distinguished members of the management, teachers, proud parents and dear students,

The Ganga, occupies a unique place, in India’s civilisational history. Its significance, extends far beyond geography, finding expression, in our scriptures, poetry, music, art, and spiritual traditions. 

Across centuries, the river, has inspired generations, and reflected the continuity, of a civilisation, that has preserved its traditions, while evolving with changing times.

The theme, of this year’s Annual Day, “Ganga – Ek   Avi-ral Dhara”, captures this enduring connection, between our past, and present. From the Himalayas, to the plains, the Ganga has sustained communities, supported livelihoods, and shaped settlements. 

Along its banks, centres of learning, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange, have flourished. The river has witnessed, the passage of generations, yet it continues, to hold a special place, in India’s collective consciousness.

This enduring connection, reflects a defining feature, of India’s civilisational heritage: the relationship between, the natural and the cultural, the material and the spiritual, and the individual and the collective. 

Our rivers, mountains, forests, festivals, pilgrimage traditions, and literature, together form, a rich cultural landscape, through which knowledge, values, and collective memories, have travelled across generations. The Ganga represents, this interconnected heritage, in a particularly powerful way.

Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, has itself, been part of the educational journey, of generations, since its establishment in 1949. As the flagship school, of the DPS Society, 

it has contributed to an educational tradition, that emphasises academic learning, discipline, and the holistic development, of young people. 

I congratulate the school, on completing 77 years, and commend its teachers, and staff, for their contribution, to education.

Tonight’s theatrical presentation, brings this heritage to life, through the timeless narrative, of Maa Ganga’s descent, from the celestial realm, to Earth. In our sacred traditions, this story speaks of devotion, perseverance, and determination. Its continued retelling, across generations demonstrates, how our cultural narratives, preserve collective memory, while offering, enduring lessons, for the present.

Yet, the significance of the Ganga, is not confined, to our history, mythology, or spiritual traditions. It also reminds us, of our responsibility, towards the natural world. Our civilisational inheritance, is not merely, something to remember, and celebrate; it is something to understand, preserve, and pass on. Respect for Maa Ganga, must therefore, go hand in hand, with conserving our rivers, using water responsibly, and protecting the natural systems, that sustain life.

Our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, has reminded us, that “it is a big responsibility, of all of us, to keep clean Mother Ganges, that has been flowing, for centuries.” 

This message brings together, our reverence for the river, and our duty, towards future generations. Cultural traditions, acquire greater meaning when they inspire us, to act responsibly, in our daily lives.

This connection, between heritage and responsibility, is particularly, important for the younger generation. Education provides an opportunity, to understand, both the achievements of the past, and the responsibilities, of the present. Learning about India’s civilisational heritage, deepens our appreciation, of its diversity, and of the many traditions, that contribute to our shared identity. It also helps us recognise the close relationship between culture, communities, and the environment.

Theatre, music, and dance, offer a meaningful way, to explore these ideas. Through this production, the students bring together, mythology, artistic expression, and collective effort. Such experiences, nurture creativity, confidence, discipline, and collaboration, while making our cultural heritage, engaging and accessible, to a new generation.

The Ganga, has continued to flow, through changing times, connecting regions, and communities, along its course. Its enduring place, in our civilisation, reminds us that continuity, and change can coexist. A society draws strength, from understanding its roots, while remaining open, to new knowledge, and future possibilities.

Dear students, the Ganga, may seem far away, from Delhi. But it is closer to us, than we think. Our own Yamuna, whose basin makes up about 40 per cent, of the Ganga basin, meets her at the Sangam in Prayagraj. Yet, the Yamuna's 22-kilometre stretch in Delhi, less than two per cent of its length, accounts for about 76 per cent, of its pollution. An Aviral and Nirmal Ganga, is therefore possible, only with an Aviral and Nirmal Yamuna. Each one of you, can contribute to this, in simple ways: by never throwing plastic, or puja material, into the river; and by encouraging your families and friends, to do the same. A cleaner Yamuna in Delhi, means a cleaner Ganga, for the whole nation.

May this evening, deepen our appreciation, of India’s civilisational heritage, and reinforce, our shared responsibility to preserve its cultural, and natural treasures, for generations to come.

Thank You.

Jai Hind.