In this lesson, the writer Dr Barsane Lal Chaturvedi, through an imaginary interview with river Ganga, talks about corruption, inflation and religious hypocrisy.

With regard to pollution, Ganga (river) says that she does not understand why it is happening. When the atmosphere of the whole nation itself is polluted, how can I (Ganga) be saved?

Today, there is a crisis of character. The character has become a thing of the past.

In society, many of our problems are increasing. For example, Seva (Service) Dharma has become Mewa (Money) Dharma. The criminal mindset has taken root in society. People believe that whatever sins they commit, the Ganga will wash them off. Pollution is a disease like untouchability. People are dirtying the water of the Ganges. Inflation, bribery and beastliness and other such ills are increasing in magnitude.

Nowadays, one group fights with another. Even within groups, there is infighting. The reasons given are many; however, the fighting always happens only for the sake of a chair. This chair represents many things – power, respect and wealth.

Faith is being bartered these days. Even the birds and animals are laughing at the evil that men do. Man needs to understand that nature is all-pervading and all-powerful. When the decline reaches a climax, then the rays of rebirth will be seen.