INTRODUCTION
Narmada Niranjani Paryavaran Sanrakshan Samiti (NNPSS) is a government registered NGO, based in Mortakka, Madhya Pradesh, India. We are a non-profit organisation working towards the cause of preservation of the world’s oldest known spiritual ecosystem & pilgrimage tradition along the banks of River Narmada - the only river in the world known to be circumambulated for thousands of years by pilgrims, ascetics, seekers, mystics and wanderers alike.
: Driven by a selfless cause (niswarth seva)
Ancient Indian texts like the Skand Purana (Reva Khand chapter) give detailed account of the origins and significance of river Narmada, and it’s highly potent spiritual ecosystem that has for centuries nurtured the tradition of spiritual penance (tapa) and pilgrimage in the form of river circumambulation (Narmada Parikrama).
Inspite of Narmada’s vast legacy and significance very little has been done to preserve & promote this spiritual ecosystem that is at the core of India’s identity as a land of divinity and spirituality. Today, all along the northern and southern banks of Narmada there exist innumerable ancient sacred sites (teerth) besides ashrams, dharmashalas, annakshetras with a legacy of immense religious, spiritual & historical importance. Yet not much has been done to preserve these ancient sites, and/or to record and promote their heritage and legacy.
At Narmada Niranjani Paryavaran Sankrakshan Samiti, we have set out to rediscover these ancient sacred sites along the Narmada banks (mentioned in the skand purana and other ancient texts), document their history, heritage and current status, archive their vivid stories and work for their preservation and restoration to keep the legacy alive and glorious for the future generation.
OUR VISION
: See the legacy of Narmada as a spiritual sanctuary through the eyes of saints, sages, devotees and pilgrims, and preserve it for the benefit of future generations to come.
OUR STORY
Officially registered on 3rd January 2019 as a NGO under the banner of Narmada Niranjani Paryavaran Sanrakshan Samiti. The formation of this non-profit organisation, is the first step in contributing to the cause of conserving and treasuring this unique and less known spiritual heritage of India.
While the organisation was formalised in 2019, our team has been carrying out extensive work of research and documentation of ancient sacred sites (teerth sthals) along the Narmada river banks since as early as 2015. Back then, we started out as a small group of individuals who were in some way or the other connected to the river Narmada by faith or by chance.
Between February 2015 to February 2020, our members would mark a certain time of their calendar to conducted more than half a dozen expeditions spanning between 1-2 weeks each. The result of which is that in this period of five years we traced our way to reach more than 250 ancient sacred sites spread over more than 1500 kms, interviewed over 200 plus people and documented some compelling facts and first hand accounts of stories of faith and miracles, along with tales of legends and myths that have passed down generations.
: A journey made up of a thousand stories told by wise men & joyful devotees. And somewhere inbetween, is the tale of how it all began.
Ravindra Kasarekar - Founder & Director NNPSS
Niswarth Seva Bhav Karya!
At Narmada Nirajani Paryavaran Sanrakshan Samiti, we are only fulfilling the desire of "Narmada Mai", who has inspired us to take up Her cause.
OUR FOUNDER
OUR MANIFESTO & APPEAL