Mahakumbh holds significance beyond religion, impacting economy and environment: Gajendra Shekhawat

Prayagraj : Today, the India Foundation in Prayagraj organised the Kumbh Global Summit on the grand and sacred occasion of Mahakumbh. Inaugurating the summit, former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu described it as a meaningful platform for achieving sustainable development goals. Addressing the gathering, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted that Mahakumbh is a religious and cultural spectacle with immense economic and environmental significance.

The summit also saw participation from representatives of the Indian diaspora, who engaged in discussions on sustainable development.

Speaking at the Kumbh Global Summit 2025 at Triveni Complex, Prayagraj, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat underscored the far-reaching economic impact of Mahakumbh. He stated, “Beyond being the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering, Mahakumbh has become one of India’s biggest economic events.

According to the Confederation of All India Traders, the event has generated trade worth $360 billion (approximately ₹3 lakh crore). The economic activity surrounding Mahakumbh is expected to contribute 1% growth to India’s GDP, significantly propelling Uttar Pradesh towards its $1 trillion economy target.”

Shekhawat emphasized that the benefits extend beyond commerce, strengthening India’s cultural and economic identity. He described Mahakumbh as a living embodiment of the ancient philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world as one family.

Shekhawat highlighted the environmental aspects and noted that Mahakumbh is a model for balancing economic activity with ecological conservation. He lauded efforts taken to ensure sustainability, including deploying 15,000 sanitation workers for cleanliness, a strict ban on single-use plastic, implementing advanced water treatment measures, and using AI and digital technology to monitor and manage environmental impact.

He reiterated India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Mission LiFE” (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, which encourages sustainable living practices.

The Union Minister also spoke about the government’s continued efforts to restore the purity of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. He highlighted the construction of three major dams—Lakhwar, Kishau, and Renkoji—on the Yamuna, which will be crucial in reducing pollution and maintaining the river’s natural flow.

In conclusion, Shekhawat described Mahakumbh as a symbol of India’s vision for a strong, clean, and developed nation and urged collective participation in advancing this mission.