Ganga is the life-blood of India, venerated as a goddess, but shares the dubious distinction of being the sixth most polluted river in the world).
I originated on Earth, deep in the high mountains,
You concocted that I had from heavens descended
I surged ahead, through hills, valleys, plains
To the eastern sea- in the subcontinent I subtended
An area vast, nourishing forests and pastures green
You settled on my banks in your earthly pursuits-
Through the history of this nation, I have been
A silent witness while you have enjoyed my fruits
From birth to death and everywhere in between
At fairs, festivals, weddings- my name is invoked
You lighten your burdens, consider yourself clean
Of your sins- once your body in my folds has soaked…
**
You built me up from the start, my status was elevated
To a goddess at times, at times a mother
I believe with all this respect I should be elated
For I hold a distinction unlike any other
River, lake, sea, mountain on this earth
Yet I have a grievance I need to air-
Of complaints I have heard, there’s been no dearth
So I should say something, it is only fair…
**
I have been soiled, polluted, desecrated
Increasingly by you, over the years
Even though my name is venerated,
My waters are not, I fear..
I have given life, but life is being drained
Out of me slowly- I am forced to mourn
The loss of fauna that I have sustained
In my waters, the flora that I have borne
You invoke my name, yet you know
My waters for consumption are not pure
You take a dip in my waters that flow
But why do you expect salvation any more?
Sullied by your ambition, tainted by greed
Tormented by your indifference am I-
I continue to provide redemption to those in need
Setting souls free, swallowing mortal remains when you die..
Passion...unbridled 