I was a student of grade 10th in St Mary’s school Buxar Bihar, and in 2013, a catastrophic cloudburst and flood struck Uttarakhand, claiming the lives of many people. Despite the devastating tragedy, I always saw a photo of a beautiful Shiva statue in the Ganges river in the newspaper every day. It made me wonder how this statue still stood strong despite everything that had happened. I didn’t know where this place was located, but I secretly wished to see it someday.
After five years in December 2018, my wish finally came true. I was invited to attend a KACIID program at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the Shiva statue that I had seen in the newspaper. I was mesmerized by its beauty and the peaceful surroundings. Tears flowed down my face as I felt a deep sense of gratitude and awe.
Seeing the Shiva statue in person made me realize that every religion teaches the same message of love, peace, and oneness. As India celebrated the day of Maha Shivaratri, I believed that Shiva belongs to everyone, regardless of their religion or belief. And the Ganges, which flows through this holy place, is here for all human beings on earth to cherish and protect.
This experience taught me that despite the trials and tribulations of life, there is always hope and faith that something beautiful can emerge from the chaos. The Shiva statue in the Ganges is a testament to the resilience and strength of the spirituality, and it reminded me to celebrate the oneness that unites us all.