Head of All World Gayatri Pariwar, Pranav Pandya has established branches of the Gayatri Pariwar in 80 countries with headquarters in Haridwar. He was honoured by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the American space centre, in 1996 as a distinguished scientist and reformer for worldwide dissemination of scientific aspects of Indian culture. The Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalayastarted by him aims to disseminate tenets of Indian culture and blend science with spirituality.
In an exclusive interview with The Pioneer, he shared his views on various issues.
Being director and head of All World Gayatri Pariwar, what are your major contributions to humanity and Ganga river?
Our main contribution to the society is man-making odyssey, since without man making, nothing can be achieved. That super consciousness which abides in us must be realised and we strive for rise of latent divinity in humans as per guidelines of Gurudev Shri Ram Acharya. This mission has emerged as a mass movement for transformation of era. Regarding Ganga, the river is our lifeline, we live for the holy river and still drink water from the Ganga only. It is our commitment to the world to make Ganga clean along its entire stretch from Gaumukh to Gangasagar by 2026.
We have sufficient funds, plans and volunteers for making the Ganga clean and serene. About 10 lakh volunteers are being prepared for this mission of Ganga under Ganga Pragya Mandal programme under which people are made aware not to dispose waste in the river. By 2026 which is centenary year of birth anniversary of Mataji Bhagwati Devi Sharma, mission 2026 of Ganga will be complete whether it is removal of waste or installation of bio digestor toilets on the river banks.
You initiated watershed development scheme for harvesting rainwater. This scheme has been extended all over the country. How has Haridwar district benefited from this? Please pinpoint the areas.
In Sharandherwala area near Bhogpur village on the route from Dehradun airport to Rishikesh, about 30 kilometre stretch of land has been used as rain water harvesting area. In the last five years this project has been continuing and with arrangements made for holding of rain water, the water table of the area has risen due to these efforts. At Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, regular demonstrations for rain water harvesting are given for visitors.
What are the major research projects and findings of the Brahmavarchas Research Institute of which you are the director?
Latest research is on Yajna therapy – we have made 150 types of Havan Samagri and have conducted 90 pre cent successful trials on patients with blood pressure problem and even cancer. The patient has to perform for three to six months depending on the ailment. About 30,000 scientists from all over the country are associated with us. They undertake diverse projects and report back to us. All the studies are properly documented. On November 21-22, a meeting has been called in which over 2000 scientists from Delhi shall be coming to Shantikunj for deliberations on their findings.
A gold medalist in medicine, you qualified for US medical services in 1975 but chose to work for your mentor. Why so?
As per directions from my mentor, I quit offer of US$ 25,000 – a very lucrative offer at that time in 1976. Pandit Shri Ram Acharya’s concern was who would work for propagation of Indian culture if everyone will go to the US. We are spreading from here. Recently our devotees have acquired 640 acres land in North California in the US for which I did ground breaking a few days ago. This is besides Los Angeles where a training centre and laboratory shall be started just like here in Haridwar.
What does your organisation plan to do during the Kumbh Mela?
Currently in Allahabad, we shall be holding camp for dissemination of ideas of Shantikunj. Detailed plan for the Kumbh Mela to be held in Haridwar later shall be made soon. For Haridwar, I wish to point out to district administration and state government authorities, providing road, infrastructural facilities must begin from now. By-pass bridges and roads must be planned two years in advance.
Being the chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, what new educational projects do you plan for the students?
Nearly 10 new educational projects are on the cards for students including projects on artificial intelligence. In association with Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) across the country, we are charting some projects so that India ranks number one in education in the world. The main focus is to stop brain drain as most of the innovative intelligence in India goes to developed countries.
Your message to the students?
I teach students wherever I go to live the life explicated in the Bhagvad Geeta. Acceptance is the way of life. Do your duties well and leave the rest to God.
Any major future projects you wish to announce?
Mission 2026 is the major project for Ganga cleanliness and in 2021, golden jubilee of Shantikunj will be observed for a full year in which several humanitarian projects shall be undertaken.
What are the major challenges facing Uttarakhand and the nation and your suggestions for tackling these?
Migration of people from the mountains to the plains in search of employment is the major challenge which the state of Uttarakhand is facing. India is safe only until the mountain folk remain there. If migration to plains is not stopped, India will face threats from outside.
What is your view on the burning Ram Janmabhoomi issue?
It can be worked out if judiciary, people and saints come together. With mutual talks, a solution can be sought for this Ram Janmabhoomi- Babri Masjid issue. One thing for sure is there that temple must be made only when the people are ready in their minds. It must be the people’s choice.
