Day 15 – Cauvery Diaries: Of Motorcycles and a Mystic
Sadhguru and the riders will storm into Coimbatore today for the last event of Cauvery Calling! Everyone is gearing up for the finale this evening, don’t miss it! Stay tuned to the live stream and blog...
Sep 1 - 2 Days To Go || Sep 2 - 1 Day To Go || Sep 3 - Day 1 || Sep 4 - Day 2 || Sep 5 - Day 3 || Sep 6 - Day 4 || Sep 7 - Day 5 || Sep 8 -Day 6 || Sep 9 - Day 7 || Sep 10 - Day 8 || Sep 11 - Day 9 || Sep 12 - Day 10 || Sep 13 - Day 11 || Sep 14 - Day 12 || Sep 15 - Day 13 || Sep 16 - Day 14 || Sep 17 - Day 15 ||
10:00pm - Sadhguru left CODISSIA for the ashram.
It was an overwhelming 2 hour journey home for Sadhguru. While in the quiet of the CODISSIA seminar room we had the Coimbatore elite showering their gentle praises in Sadhguru and vouching for their support to the campaign, what ensued on the 20-km stretch to the Yoga Center was an entirely different scene altogether. The moment Sadhguru entered Thondamuthur, the expressions of love were like wildfire. In every village that convoy crossed, hundreds of villagers dressed beautifully, holding sacred offerings, were waiting to receive Sadhguru. The local youth artists bands were pounding their drums at such a feverish rhythm and decibel level that could be heard from kilometers away. The night sky sparkled with the bright, colorful lights of firecrackers. Men, women, children and the elderly, all vigorously jostled with each other to touch Sadhguru, and make offerings of freshly woven jasmine malas, huge bowls of sweets, water, shawls, and other traditional items. A child offered his piggy bank full of coins. Sadhguru was literally mobbed as he lovingly accepted the pats of affection and the offerings.
11:30pm - A heartfelt midnight welcome at Adiyogi
Sadhguru with his 12 riders and many other volunteer riders who joined him from Coimbatore, reached Malaivasal near midnight. Ashramites, guests and volunteers had lined up on the pathway, holding lamps in their hands chanting the Nadi Stuti - Bharatam Maha Bharatam. Sadhguru roared to a halt in the middle of the pathway with the thunderous bikers close behind him. As Sadhguru simply sat in silence on his bike for a while in front of Adiyogi, several bikers behind him got off their bikes. In their full biker gear - helmet, gloves and all - they fully prostrated in the middle of the pathway before Adiyogi, a beautiful surrender at the culmination of their victorious yatra for Cauvery.
Sadhguru then began to speak, sharing some tidbits of his experience of the past 16 days. He thanked everyone for their involvement in the campaign and briefed the gathering on the success it achieved. He thanked the 50 odd riders who accompanied him through his travels, through tough conditions of both scorching heat and torrential rains. Commending them for their courage and commitment, he made a special mention of the 5 lady riders who kept up pace in the convoy.
Sadhguru then cruised to the Welcome Point with the riders. Here, Kumaraguru Kannan, who is among the top 10 riders in the country, requested Sadhguru to sign his helmet and bless him in his motorcycling journey. "Victory Lap, Blessing, Sep 17, 2019," Sadhguru lovingly wrote with a felt pen. Since it was a smooth surface the writing looked a bit faded, so Sadhguru retraced the lines several times with the pen to make it clear. "I think it should stay," he said while gently giving back the helmet to an overwhelmed Kannan.
"Feel at home here and spend some time in the ashram,” he invited the riders as one would invite one’s close friends, before heading home.
18 September 2019:
After a midnight arrival in the ashram with a 3000-km journey behind him, Sadhguru barely had a wink of sleep before he flew off this morning to Bengaluru to meet the Karnataka Chief Minister and chart out the next steps for Cauvery Calling. The Chief Minister had earlier reiterated a couple of times during the Bengaluru event that his government would follow to the word Sadhguru’s recommendations.
A glimpse below of the meeting in Bengaluru with the Government of Karnataka and the Rally for Rivers board.
Watch Sadhguru Live Now in Coimbatore!
Snippets from the last event of Cauvery Calling in Coimbatore!
Ganga Hospital Chairperson Dr. Rajasekaran, who had postponed his travel abroad to be part of this event, welcomed Sadhguru. He praised the initiative as “A big project, a human endeavour, a mammoth idea.”
He cited verses from Tamil literature that "Cauvery will not fail you even if rains fail" and "Cauvery will feed all her children like a mother breastfeeds her child,” to explain how in ancient times we knew that rivers were our life. But that today we have disrupted our relationship with nature due to greed and mindlessness.
“For a mammoth project of this nature...we need great energy...an energy which brings all stakeholders together...not by force but enthusiastically,” he said, adding that this energy was brought by Sadhguru.
He mentioned all the success Sadhguru saw for the Cauvery Calling campaign in the various cities he visited, but said, “Coimbatore is special. Sadhguru is part of us and we are part of him,” and appealed to all to make this a success in the city.
Shri V. Lakshmi Narayanasamy, President of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Coimbatore, began by lauding Sadhguru, "On all of your behalf, I thank Sadhguru, the architect of our nation, for launching Cauvery Calling." He expressed his gratitude that he could be involved in this noble campaign and finished his remarks by saying, “Charity begins at home. I pledge 5000 saplings.”
Shri R. Ramamoorthi, President of CODISSIA, Coimbatore, said that since it is nearly 50 years since the CODISSIA association was started, he feels that the momentous occasion of "Cauvery Calling is a part of our Golden Jubilee celebrations. Like CODISSIA, Cauvery Calling is also a team effort. And we are proud that Sadhguru is part of Coimbatore."
Shri A.V. Varadharajan, Chairman, Sandfits Foundry Pvt Ltd. and an engineer who played an important role of CODISSIA, said, "There is very little rain, too much heat from the sun, the crops are failing, the crops that we used to eat in our childhood are no longer sowed. The greed that humankind has caused this." He concluded, "This plan to plant 242 crore trees, taken up by Sadhguru, is not our duty but a form of atonement to the destruction we have caused to Mother Nature.”
Shri E. R. Eswaran, Founder & General Secretary, Kongu Makkal Desiya Katchi, declared his staunch support for Cauvery Calling, "In the past we have heard people say that our next big revolution will be for water. The revolution that they have been talking about is this - Cauvery Calling. Sadhguru is not asking for appreciation or thanks; he just wants us to stand by him. We should support him in this." Reminding us of the responsibilities we have, he said, “If we don't support this campaign then it means that we are committing a heinous crime on our children and grandchildren. We will be part of this campaign. From Mettur to Karur, we will take up converting farmers to agroforestry.”
Shri B. K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman, Bharathiya Vidhya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra spoke of how Sadhguru has united all parties, all sections of people and made this a people's movement. “A project of this magnitude can't happen without the people’s support and a support of this magnitude can only be garnered by Sadhguru. He has brought together the rich, the poor, people of all caste, creed and profession." He brought up how Mahatma Gandhi’s vision for India was a vibrant rural economy, and how Sadhguru was bringing forth this vision by naming Isha nurseries as "Mahatma Green India Mission." He pointed out, “It is not that Cauvery cannot live without us; the truth is that we cannot live without Cauvery. I’m proud that Coimbatore will be the launchpad for this revolution.”
Shri S.P. Velumani, Minister of Municipal Administration & Rural Development, said, "Because Isha Yoga Center is in my constituency, I know of all the social outreach initiatives Sadhguru has taken up here. Whatever plan Sadhguru takes up, that has always been a success." He pledged his support to the cause, "We promise to support 100 percent in this journey. We are ready to provide whatever Sadhguru wants. Whatever number of saplings he wants, we will provide it to him."
Sadhguru Speaks!
"Cauvery basin is not just a fertile region. It is the most fertile region on the planet," Sadhguru stated as he began his speech on the last stop of this journey. He laid out the path to once again bring back the soil fertility in the Cauvery basin through a long-term commitment to agroforestry. He asked the audience, “Einstein said Indians cannot think 15 minutes ahead. I think he met the wrong Indians. What do you say?” as the crowd roared in affirmation. Talking about the farmer suicides in the country, Sadhguru said, "This is not evan a question of Cauvery. This is not a question of this or that. This is a question of our humanity,” urging all to awaken the humanity within us. Before leaving at last for Isha Yoga Center, Sadhguru took a moment to thank all the 59 riders that rode with him through various parts of the journey.
With water streaming from the Nandi above, there cannot be a more fitting stage setup for the Mystic, for this event which is all about Cauvery River. The fountain was envisioned by M. Krishnan, Chairman & Managing Director, Sri Krishna Sweets, to symbolically portray that Sadhguru is bringing the Talacauvery spring (the origin of Cauvery) here.
Isha Samskriti students stun the audience at CODISSIA with their exhilarating performance for India’s national song, “Vande Mataram.”
Sadhguru spells out the problem facing Cauvery by citing how palm trees are dying, a clear sign that we are headed towards desertification. He closed his talk by saying, “40% of India could become a desert in 10 years’ time...This is the time to act…Agroforestry is something that will work economically in a wonderful way for the farmer, so it cannot fail. The only thing is producing the saplings is the only challenge we have. Everybody should do whatever they can.”
Shri Ravi Sam, MD Adwaith Textiles Private Ltd, said to Sadhguru, “We have seen on social media how people have accepted your thought, they celebrated you and received you in the middle of the night in pouring rain, and this really inspires us all.” He thanked the influencers of Coimbatore for their support and solidarity with Sadhguru and appealed to them to help complete the project of Cauvery Calling as soon as possible.
Isha Samskriti children have front row seats to an overflowing house tonight in Coimbatore, where hundreds of chairs are set up even outside of the main hall, for the biggest show in the city. Sadhguru is about to arrive for the culmination of the Cauvery Calling motorcycle campaign.
Farmer leader Valluvan of Pollachi district shares about the success he has achieved through natural farming and how the Isha Agro Movement supported him in the transition to agroforestry.
Yuri Jain, Rally for Rivers coordinator, speaks to the influencers about the Cauvery Calling campaign.
6:00pm - Sadhguru is meeting with those who have invited and organized this event in Coimbatore.
Dr. Rajasekaran of Ganga Hospital addresses the gathering, “This is a special moment for Coimbatore when the “who is who” and elite of the city have come together to support this significant endeavor of Sadhguru. History is made today.”
Watch: Day 12 Highlights of Cauvery Calling
Sadhguru shows us the organically grown saplings in the Isha nursery in Thanjavur - now renamed to Mahatma Green India Mission as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
A key event in Thiruvarur was a Farmers Meeting where farmers listened in rapt attention as Sadhguru outlined the advantages of agroforestry. The Cavalcade finally reached Puducherry to a grand welcome.
Miles of Smiles
Sadhguru is finally returning to Coimbatore today after riding in a motorcade for a fortnight to revitalize Cauvery. Today, a crowd is gathered waiting to meet him. They are gathered along the route for kilometers raising their voices joyfully to sing the Nadi Stuti. Their excitement is passing like electricity from one to the next.
More bikers stream in to join the rally...and a giant mobile sound system too! Meanwhile, Sadhguru and the riders are on the way…
Coimbatore eagerly waits for Sadhguru to come home. As the time ticks closer, they wave blue placards for Cauvery! Volunteers line up for kilometers watching as the first cars and bikes of the motorcade begin to arrive.
Bikes and cars decked out in blue...ready to join Sadhguru when he enters Coimbatore city...
A life giving force, she is.
A nurturing womb, she is.
Plants, insects, birds, and animals, she has embraced.
All life in southern India, she has graced.
Cauvery-a mighty river, immensely generous, she feeds us all.
To creatures that walk and talk and slither and crawl.
But lend me your ear, I shall let you in on a secret.
Beloved Cauvery has reduced to a small tricklet!
Worry not, we can bring her back. Can you help me?
Plant more trees along her basin to let her flow free.
Here is your chance, do your bit, so our children can live without worry.
42 rupees a tree, come on, it's time, let's revitalize Cauvery."
- Smriti, Bengaluru
Ahmed from Haifa, Israel, shares how this is THE most important cause to be supporting right now.
Sneaking Into the Side Door
Grooving to the sounds of “Alai Alai”, our volunteers sneak in through the side entrance to score the best seats in the hall. It's anybody's guess if they'll succeed...
Ranjini’s Chance to Be Part of a Freedom Movement
Ranjini says “People gave their lives for India’s freedom struggle. We didn’t have a chance to be a part of that struggle, and I’m only too excited to be part of this movement to free India of its water crisis. I feel overwhelmed that I can do this for my country.” As the wife of a retired banker from Indian Overseas Bank, Ranjini, age 63, is dedicating her time to Cauvery Calling.
In her Golden Years, Vasantha Sees a Light for Future Generations
Vasantha Kumari, age 62, wife of a retired bank officer speaks happily about being at the Coimbatore event. She says, “What Sadhguru is doing is so big and so important for future generations that I consider it a privilege to help in any way. Right now, I’m setting up chairs for the big event today.”
Worry About Water Wars
"Water scarcity is one of the biggest problems that we are staring in the face. A lot of future wars will be for water," Girish, a volunteer for the Coimbatore event expresses his worries. He knows, "Cauvery Calling will be the solution to the biggest problem of the decade."
Rivers from Boyhood Still Live in Ashish’s Heart
Kumar Ashish from Patna, Bihar, recalls his childhood spent close to nature and in harmony with rivers. This connection is so precious to him that he’s dedicating his life to saving rivers, starting with Cauvery. He wants to give all children the chance to experience this kind of bond.
What a Sweet Gesture from M. Krishnan, Owner of Sri Krishna Sweets
1:00pm - At ground zero of today’s event at CODISSIA Trade Complex, we had the honor of M. Krishnan’s presence. The owner of popular Sri Krishna Sweets retail chain came early to inspect the arrangements for the welcome ceremony that he is coordinating along with Sri Rajeshekhar of Ganga Hospital for Sadhguru this evening. He is among the 40 other industrialists in Coimbatore who have, for the first time, come out in the open to express their solidarity and love for Sadhguru by organizing a huge welcome for him on his return from the 2-week long Cauvery Calling motorcycle campaign.
A colorful welcome! Swirls of kolam and whorls of flowers!
At this evening’s venue in Coimbatore, volunteers capture some scenes...
Caught a cut-out of our Mystic calling us to action for Cauvery...
A blue-lit stage is being set up...notice the Nandi?
Sound check for Sounds of Isha, as the hall gets set up...
Making sure that Cauvery occupies every heart and every seat...
Ashram volunteers arrive at the venue...
Are we welcoming Sadhguru or is he welcoming us?
So many hands with just one goal...
A full house inside makes the volunteers set up an open house outside!
Afternoon break for Shoonya meditation...
.@iamlakshmirai in conversation with @SadhguruJV, who fully supports the #CauveryCalling movement has created a campaign for raising 1 lakh trees for Cauvery. Check out her fundraising page here: https://t.co/pGFbEXwoX9#CauveryDiaries - Day 15 pic.twitter.com/gsqSk9nLJQ
— Rally For Rivers - Cauvery Calling (@rallyforrivers) September 17, 2019
Umayal, the wife of Deputy Director, Labour Department of Tamil Nadu, at the age of 50 is found sweeping the floor at the venue in Coimbatore for this evening’s event. “I'm doing it for future generations, so they can have plenty of water and experience the shade of the trees,” she shares.
CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex in home turf Coimbatore is getting ready for today evening's culmination event with @SadhguruJV? Are you ready? #CauveryCalling#CauveryDiaries - Day 15https://t.co/z0cXg1FMkA pic.twitter.com/eNawY9AHyq
— Rally For Rivers - Cauvery Calling (@rallyforrivers) September 17, 2019
1:55pm - Sadhguru and the riders left Salem for Coimbatore after visiting Linga Bhairavi temple there. He makes his way back in the sweltering afternoon to culminate an incredibly successful 2 weeks of riding across two states. Meanwhile, volunteers and eager guests are trickling into the event hall to greet him.
Emotional Connect to Cauvery: Niharika from Andhra Pradesh
Niharika Jasti, a Nadi Veera helping to save India’s rivers through the Rally for Rivers movement, shares her gratifying experience interacting with the people of Coimbatore as she campaigns for Cauvery Calling.
Cauvery Calling Mehendi!
Volunteers in Coimbatore are doing everything to imprint upon people’s hearts and minds the need to save Cauvery.
Ashram volunteers leave in the blistering afternoon heat to the Cauvery Calling event venue at Coimbatore. All equipped with posters and smiles, they fill up a bus and head out in gusto to welcome the Mystic and his cavalcade of bikers!
Some videos from yesterday with Sadhguru and the riders…
“In the coziness of an AC bus, I still hear our bikes roaring for Cauvery! On the way to Mumbai with fond memories of Cauvery,” shares Pranav Gujar, a biker who is returning home after riding on the Tamil Nadu stretch of Cauvery Calling.
Nadi Veera, Kumara Swamy, shares his story:
“I had no emotional connect to any river as I used water from a tap. I later realized that I have grown up drinking the water of this river - Cauvery - a lifegiver for southern Karnataka.
When I worked as a civil engineer I used to bike around with my MTB across Mysuru. This was when I could see the contrast between my elders’ memory of Cauvery and how it is now! The stories about it depletion were very common.
I don’t know what connection I have with Cauvery, but the basic thing I understood is that a human body consists of 70% water, which means 70% of my body is Cauvery’s water. If I become responsible for Cauvery then there is no time to waste thinking about my survival.
One evening, Sadhguru had called for volunteers and I just knew at this moment that I had to become a Rally for Rivers volunteer. It was no coincidence that I was at my favourite spot in the Krishna Raja Sagara backwaters when this happened!
At 11:20pm last night, the convoy halted in Salem, on the way to Coimbatore. This morning, the riders gave into the temptation of a 25km ride of 75 hairpins through Kolli Hills - they set out on an exciting excursion at 7:00am, carrying Cauvery Calling in their hearts and on their motorcycles…
Nearer to Salem, Adyar Anand Bhavan restaurant's management is delighted to host the dinner for @SadhguruJV's motorcade.#CauveryDiaries - Day 15 #CauveryCalling pic.twitter.com/7JXMBMbOMn
— Rally For Rivers - Cauvery Calling (@rallyforrivers) September 17, 2019
Even little Pranitha is aware of the dire situation and stays awake to welcome @SadhguruJV.#CauveryDiaries - Day 15 #CauveryCalling pic.twitter.com/XdCeeMA5HE
— Rally For Rivers - Cauvery Calling (@rallyforrivers) September 17, 2019
This little guy from Attur is up at 10 pm to meet @SadhguruJV and his #CauveryCalling team and show his support!#CauveryDiaries - Day 15 pic.twitter.com/2LjSkVirBb
— Rally For Rivers - Cauvery Calling (@rallyforrivers) September 17, 2019
Watch Sadhguru with Kangana Ranaut Live on Instagram Now!
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