Adv. Arun Kumar Gupta – A selfless Advocate from Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), working tirelessly for the protection of River Ganga

The Ganga River, which grants Moksha (final liberation) to crores of lives, holds unparalleled importance in the lives of Hindus and is a lifeline to over 30 crore people. In recent decades, pollution in Ganga has drastically increased. Stopping this pollution and protecting the sanctity of the Ganga has become the life mission of Advocate Arun Kumar Gupta. For the past 20 years, he has been working selflessly to prevent the river’s pollution, curb industrial projects along its banks, and conduct research on the Ganga water. Due to this spiritual service, he has also attained spiritual progress and reached the 61% spiritual level.

Special Column

The sacrifice by the soldiers and generals for the Hindavi Swarajya as envisaged by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is supreme. Similarly, in the present times, many devout Hindus and patriotic citizens of this country have been striving to protect the Nation and Dharma. The ‘Warriors of Hindutva’ is a series of articles that sheds light on their life and their struggle to protect Hindu Dharma. We hope that it serves as a catalyst for the mission of establishing Hindu Rashtra and inspires many others. – Editor

1. Appointed as ‘Amicus Curiae’ for River Ganga

For several years, 71-year-old Advocate Arun Kumar Gupta has been actively working to protect the Ganga. Recognising his dedication, the Allahabad High Court appointed him as the Amicus Curiae (friend of the Court) for issues related to the Ganga. Accordingly, he reviews all Ganga-related legal matters presented in the Allahabad High Court, Uttarakhand High Court, and even the Supreme Court.

2. Noteworthy contributions toward Ganga’s protection

A. Stopping major hydroelectric projects on the Ganga :

To keep the Ganga healthy, it must remain uninterrupted and pure. During the Congress-led Government, 264 dams (small and large) were planned for hydroelectric projects in Uttarakhand, including tunnels for three major projects. This posed a serious environmental risk. Advocate Gupta filed a petition in the High Court and raised the issue with Saints like Shankaracharya, HH Govindacharya Maharaj, water activist Rajendra Singh, and then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. As a result, these large projects were halted.

B. Filing complaint with Allahabad High Court :

Wastewater was being discharged into the Ganga without proper treatment. Advocate Gupta presented this issue to the High Court, stating that pollution cannot be stopped without proper sewage treatment. The Court ordered treatment projects in Kashi, Prayagraj, and Kanpur.

C. Seeking help from the President of India :

When President Ram Nath Kovind visited Uttar Pradesh, Advocate Gupta submitted a memorandum suggesting steps for Ganga purification. The former president forwarded this to the Yogi Adityanath Government, which later implemented those recommendations.

D. Spreading scientific knowledge about Ganga in educational institutions :

Gupta visits many institutions to inform students about the scientific and spiritual significance of the Ganga, helping raise awareness among youth.

E. Contributing to Ganga legislation :

He played a vital role in drafting the bill for ‘National River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management), 2017’, which may soon be presented in Parliament.

3. Development of nasal spray from Ganga water that can help fight COVID-19

In 2019, when COVID-19 wreaked havoc in India, Advocate Gupta observed that recovery rates in cities along the Ganga were over 95%. He then wrote a research paper and sent it to the President. After consulting experts from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), he highlighted the presence of bacteriophages in Ganga water capable of fighting viruses. Following detailed research, BHU scientists successfully developed a nasal spray from Ganga water containing bacteriophages.

4. Honoured by Saints and eminent personalities

A. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati of Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth honoured Adv. Gupta with the title ‘Ganga Ratna’ at a special ‘Ganga Sabha’ and blessed him.

B. He received the ‘Uttar Pradesh Ratna’ award from former Election Commissioner Krishnamurthy and former UP Assembly Speaker Hriday Narayan Dikshit at an NGO-organised event.

C. Yog Rishi Ramdev Baba praised his efforts in Ganga conservation.

D. Former Union Minister Uma Bharti personally visited his residence and encouraged his work repeatedly.

5. Advocate Gupta’s spiritual journey toward Moksha through the conservation of Ganga

Because of his tireless and selfless work for Ganga protection, Advocate Arun Kumar Gupta has made significant spiritual progress. On 26th September 2023, Sadguru Nilesh Singbal of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti declared that Gupta had attained the 61% spiritual level.

6. Guided Hindus at the ‘Vaishwik Hindu Rashtra Mahotsav’ (Global Hindu Rashtra Convention) in Goa

Advocate Gupta participated in the Vaishwik Hindu Rashtra Mahotsav held in Ramnathi, Goa from June 16 to 22, 2023, where he guided Hindu activists on the topic ‘Scientific aspects of the Ganga and efforts for its protection’.