PIB ANALYSIS FOR UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAM
- Kumbh Mela and Inland Waterways Authority of India
- Women Transforming India Award
- Watan ko Jano
1 . Kumbh Mela and Inland Waterways Authority of India
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) working to facilitate safe passenger movement for Kumbh-Mela
Elemental meaning of Kumbh
- The confluence (Sangam) of all the cultures in the universe.
- A spiritual conscience.
- The flow of humanity.
- The flow of rivers, forests, and Rishi culture.
- The flow of life.
- The communion of nature and human life.
- The source of energy.
- The path of enlightenment.
About Kumbh Mela
- Kumbh Mela, in Hinduism, is a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. The geographical location of Kumbh Mela spans over four locations in India and the Mela site keeps rotating between one of the four pilgrimage places on four sacred rivers as listed below:
- Haridwar on the Ganges in Uttarakhand
- Ujjain on the Shipra in Madhya Pradesh
- Nashik on the Godavari in Maharashtra
- Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati in Uttar Pradesh
- The Mela draws tens of millions of pilgrims over the course of approximately 55 auspicious days to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mystical Sarasvati.
- Each site’s celebration is based on a distinct set of astrological positions of the Sun, the Moon, and the Jupiter. The celebrations occur at the exact moment when these positions are fully occupied, as it is considered to be the holiest time in Hinduism.
- The Kumbh Mela is an event that intrinsically encapsulates the science of astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, and socio-cultural customs and practices, making it extremely rich in knowledge
Mythological Significance
- The origin of Kumbh Mela was transcribed by the 8th-century philosopher Shankara.
- The founding myth of the Kumbh Mela points out to the Puranas. It recounts how Gods and demons fought over the sacred pitcher (Kumbh) of Amrit (nectar of immortality) called the Ratna of Samudra Manthan.
- It is widely believed that Lord Vishnu (disguised as the enchantress ‘Mohini’) whisked the Kumbh out of the grasp of the covetous demons who had tried to claim it.
- As he took it heavenwards, a few drops of the precious nectar fell on the four sacred sited we know as Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayag.
- The flight and the following pursuit is said to have lasted twelve divine days which is equivalent to twelve human years and therefore, the Mela is celebrated every twelve years, staggered at each of the four sacred sites in this cycle.
- The corresponding rivers are believed to have turned into Amrit at the cosmic moment, giving pilgrims the chance to bathe in the essence of purity, auspiciousness, and immortality.
Historical Evidence
- The term ‘Kumbh’ comes from the root ‘kumbhak’ (the sacred pitcher of elixir of immortality). There is a mention of ‘Kumbh’ and the bathing ritual associated with it in the Rig Veda . It speaks of the benefits of bathing at sangam during this period, elimination of negative influences and rejuvenation of mind and soul. Prayers for the ‘Kumbh’ are also expressed in Atharva Veda and Yajur Veda.
- Historic evidence points towards the rule of King Harshvardhana (c.590-647 CE), as the time when Kumbh Mela got widespread recognition across geographies.
- Famous traveler Hsuan Tsang has prominently mentioned the grandeur of Kumbh Mela in his travelogue. The traveler’s account also summarizes King Harsh’s charities at the confluence of holy rivers where he gave gifts and donations to the scholars and sanyasis.
- Moreover, the historical texts also point towards evidence that Adi Shankaracharya established 10 Akharas, Ardha Kumbh and Kumbh Mela
Social Significance
- The welfare of all beings, sharing of noble thoughts and maintaining good relationships with all the beings across the world is the core message prevalent during the Kumbh festival. Kumbh has been spiritually uniting the people of India and across the world since time immemorial
About Inland Waterways Authority of India
- IWAI was created by Government of India for development and regulation of Inland waterways for shipping and navigation. The Authority primarily undertakes projects for development and maintenance of Inland Waterway Terminal infrastructure on National Waterways through grant received from Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways.
Functions
Function regarding National Waterways
- Survey
- Navigation,Infrastructure and Regulations
- Fairway Development
- Pilotage
- Coordination of IWT with other modes
General Functions
- Advise Central Govt.
- Carry out hydrographic surveys
- Assist State Governments
- Develop consultancy services
- Research & Development
- Classification of waterways
- Standards & safety
2 . Women Transforming India Award
NITI Aayog to Organise the Third Edition of the Women Transforming India Awards
Event will also mark the launch of the upgraded Women Entrepreneurship Platform
About the Release
- The Women Transforming India Awards were instituted to recognise and celebrate stories of exemplary women from across India.
- This year’s theme is “Women and Entrepreneurship”
- The Women Entrepreneurship Platform seeks to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country and shall be a one-stop resource centre for future and budding women entrepreneurs. It seeks to act as a medium for various stakeholders in the economy to come together and offer integrated services such as Incubator Support, Mentorship, Funding venues, Compliance etc.
3 . Watan ko Jano
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been organising programme “Watan ko Jano” to give exposure to the youth and children of J&K about the cultural and socioeconomic development taking place in other parts of the country. Youth and children hit by militancy and from weaker sections of the society have been identified for the purpose.