Bharatiyam Organizes My Delhi My Duty – Yamuna Cleanliness Drive to Inspire Collective Action for a Cleaner and Greener Delhi

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

Continuing its tradition of blending environmental consciousness with civic action, Bharatiyam, a national-level society founded by visionary leaders Shri K.J. Rao (Former Secretary, Election Commission of India), Shri Anil Gupta, and Shri Srinivas Kotni, proudly organized the “My Delhi My Duty – Yamuna Cleanliness Drive” at ITO Chhat Ghat, Delhi. This early morning initiative brought together citizens, social organizations, student groups, environmental activists, and volunteers in a collective mission to rejuvenate the sacred Yamuna River — a vital lifeline of Delhi.

About Bharatiyam
Bharatiyam is an initiative of like-minded individuals with a singular objective: to create a positive impact on the environment and society at large. Over the past few years, Bharatiyam has successfully promoted responsible environmental behavior through a unique blend of art, culture, and civic engagement.

Objective of the Drive
Despite being revered, the Yamuna River suffers from severe ecological degradation. Bharatiyam recognizes the urgent need for action beyond mere awareness. Direct citizen participation is essential. “My Delhi My Duty” was conceptualized to rekindle a sense of civic responsibility among the people of Delhi, encouraging them to take ownership of their city's environment. By engaging the community at the grassroots level, this drive emphasized that cleaning and protecting the Yamuna is not just a governmental task, but everyone’s moral and social duty.
Participation
Apart from Bharatiyam members and their families, the event was graced by the presence of eminent dignitaries who lent their support to this noble cause. The list included Mr. Raja Banthia, IPS, DCP, Delhi Police, CA. Anil Gupta, Prant Karyawah, Delhi, RSS, Captain Vikas Gupta, Chairman, UP Council of Agriculatural Research and many others. Many NGOs working in the NCR in the area of Environmental issues, especially Yamuna also participated with their members,   Many students from  also participated in the event.  Their presence reinforced the importance of collective community efforts and the urgent need for environmental conservation in Delhi.
Highlights of the Event
The cleanliness drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from hundreds of volunteers who gathered as early as 5:45 AM to contribute their efforts. The event started with Yamuna Aarti conducted by 11 priests amidst chanting of vedic hymns. They were ably supported by the chanting by students of Ved Patshala. Thereafter, talented students of Bal Bhawan School performed a street play on the condition of river Yamuna and the responsibility of all stake holders in cleaing it up. Participants were seen, removing plastic waste and other pollutants from the riverbanks and spreading awareness about reducing single-use plastics. The participants also went on a nature walk around the green belt near the ITO Cchat Ghat, where they all saw the modern day “Kaliya Nag” i.e. the untreated sewage water full of contaminants and pollutants was entering the river Yamuna without any restriction. The STP seems to be not working for a long time and needed immediate replacement. 

Bharatiyam distributed drinking water and refreshments to all the participants. All those present pldeged their commitment towards long-term environmental conservation. The presence and active support of volunteers, educational institutions, NGOs, and concerned citizens turned the event into a vibrant example of community-driven change.

Team Bharatiyam
Bharatiyam members put in tireless efforts and outstanding contributions in making the “My Delhi My Duty” Cleanliness Drive a spectacular success. This event would not have reached the heights it did without their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment. They played key roles in organizing and executing various aspects of the event, whether it was raising funds, liaising with sponsors, coordinating with the venue, or handling media and social outreach.The “My Delhi My Duty” campaign received overwhelming encouragement from Bharatiyam’s patrons, donors, and well-wishers, who have consistently supported initiatives like, plantation drives, urban forest creation, pond revival projects, environmental awareness programs, classical music concerts (Ragas for Yamuna) child welfare through Project Vatsalya etc.  The invaluable support of Bharatiyam members and the well wishers has empowered Bharatiyam to expand its footprint and deepen its impact across Delhi-NCR.
Looking Ahead
Bharatiyam’s commitment does not end with a single drive. With projects like deployment of riverbank guards, plantation drives, and long-term child care initiatives, Bharatiyam envisions a future where citizens and communities take proactive ownership of their environment. The success of My Delhi My Duty reaffirms Bharatiyam’s belief that collective action is the only way to protect the environment and leave a greener legacy for future generations. Bharatiyam invites all like-minded individuals and organizations to join its journey to restore, revive, and rejuvenate Yamuna ji and foster a Cleaner, Greener Delhi.

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