Anandamath Sritibon

From Mejda : My passion expressed thru millions of trees!!  * Anandamath Smritiban Inauguration * tomorrow 22nd October, 2021 at 9 am. Site next to Karotoya aqueduct on the Gajoldoba-Phulbari canal road after crossing the Drive Over Bridge from west to east.

The legend, *Baikunthapur Forest*, mythologically believed to be the land of Lord Krishna and Rukmini, historically the land where the seed of Indian Freedom Movement was planted through the Sanyasi Fakir rebellion, and the land which made the twin cities, Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, today stands at the mercy of the human population who use her services. As the Teesta River basin from the higher lands of Sikkim and Bengal Himalaya funnels down, the reason these two cities and all the adjoining human settlements are protected is because of the Baikunthapur Forests. The good water table, the rich agricultural lands, the timber and fuel wood and keeping our breathing air clean, we owe everything to the Baikunthapur forests. The time has come to reforest the lost areas for the sake of our survival. To rejuvenate the rivers like Sahu, Karala, Neem, Karotoya and several other lesser known rivers and streams with this reforestation program. Hence the *SMRITIBAN INITIATIVE*, where the souls of our ancestors will find retreat and our children happiness.

 Not just another river, but believed in mythology as the river which flowed down the palms of Lord Shiva and Parvati while they were getting married, mentioned in the great epic of Mahabharata as the most sacred river, finds place in Siyar-al-Mutakhkhirin and is known as *Karotoya*. 

The river which now originates from the swamps of Baikanthapur Forests, and historically was a part of Teesta River and meandered down as a mighty river to host several civilizations along the bank, the ruins of Mahasthangarh (Pundragarh) may still be seen with each stone reflecting the glory of Karotoya. Even the UNESCO World Hetitage Site, Paharpur (Sompur Mahavihara) is not far away. 

Our first site of *Anandamath Smritiban* in Baikunthapur is on the banks of Karotoya River and will be dedicated to the great souls who began the Sanyasi Fakir rebellion. We begin this on the 22nd of October, 2021, 9 am to be inaugurated by Rina Das Baul of international fame, and an ambassador of *Gurubas*. 

This will be followed by identifying atleast 60 sites around the Baikanthapur Forests, where Anadamath Smitiban will begin and will be taken care by the villagers with the technical support of the Forest Department. The Anandamath Smritiban is being initiated by ACT (Association for Conservation & Tourism), Department of Forests, Government of West Bengal, CII (Confederation of Indian Industries), MCCS (Modella Caretaker Centre & School) and being supported by several other organizations, institutions and individuals. Inviting one and all on behalf of ACT to join the Anandamath Smritiban Initiative.