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Maha Kumbh Mela, being held from 13 January to 26 February 2025, is the world's largest congregation of people with 40 crore visitors! While it is rooted in traditions, Kumbh Mela poses considerable challenges on environment and other areas too.
Given the importance of this topic, MBAUniverse.com presents GD Topic titled “Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Is it Possible to Balance Traditional Heritage with Modern Economic and Environmental Challenges?”. This GD Topic explores both sides of the debate.
Let’s start with background of Kumbh Mela, which will help in understanding the topic.
What is the significance of Kumbh Mela?
The Maha Kumbh Mela symbolises the victory of Gods over demons. The Kumbh Mela is an event held approximately every 12 years at four locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik—rotating among them. The location is decided by the position of Jupiter (Guru), Sun (Surya), and Moon (Chandra). This gathering sees devotees immersing themselves in the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati, a path to attaining Moksha or liberation.
Investment and Infrastructure
The Uttar Pradesh government has spent over Rs 70 billion on infrastructure and sanitation projects for the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Maha Kumbh 2025 Mela will have advanced fire fighting vehicles as for protection against any fire related incidents. Artificial intelligence tools and chatbots are being used to assist tourists and pilgrims. Maha Kumbh 2025 Mela will be assisted by the "Mahakumbh Mela 2025 app" which has important locations of ghats, temples, and other major religious sites for the support of tourists and pilgrims. Indian Railways has announced an increase in the number of coaches in key trains, such as the Prayagraj Express and Lucknow Mail, to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims during the Mahakumbh 2025.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives for Sustainability
This is a major focus of the Maha Kumbh 2025. Organisers have introduced eco-friendly measures to reduce environmental impact like use of biodegradable materials for temporary shelters, strict regulations on plastic use and enhanced waste management systems.
Leveraging Technology
To ensure smooth conduct, Maha Kumbh is leveraging technology as well. A dedicated mobile app will help pilgrims with real-time updates. Virtual reality (VR) tours will also allow devotees who cannot attend in person to experience the mela.
International Participation
The Maha Kumbh Mela has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting visitors from all over the world. This year, special arrangements have been made to welcome international tourists, including multilingual guides, dedicated help desks, and cultural orientation programmes.
Subject of Study by World’s Largest Universities
More than two dozen prominent universities and other educational and esearch institutes from around the world as well as in the country are going o camp in Prayagaj during M.akumbh to study various aspects related to he largest religious gathering in the world. Harvard, Stanford, London chool of Economics, Kyoto University, All MS, I IM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras and JNU are some premiere institutes that re going to send professors, research scholars and students to stay in Prayagraj.
With this background, lets discuss the group discussion topic “Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Is it Possible to Balance Traditional Heritage with Modern Economic and Environmental Challenges?”.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Preserving Traditional Heritage
1. Cultural Significance
Kumbh Mela is an important part of India's cultural and religious tradition and has been celebrated for thousands of years. Preserving this tradition is important to maintaining the cultural identity of India.
2. Spiritual Value
For many devotees, the rituals performed at the Maha Kumbh Mela, such as the holy dip in the river, are acts of faith that hold vast spiritual significance. Changing these traditions for modern demands may dilute the spiritual and religious meaning.
3. Tourism and Global Recognition
Preserving the traditional elements of the Maha Kumbh Mela enhances its appeal as a unique cultural program, attracting tourists and scholars worldwide. This global recognition boosts India’s soft power!
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Economic Boost
1. Economic Impact
Maha Kumbh Mela significantly contributes to the local and national economy. According to various estimates, Maha Kumbh's budget stands at nearly Rs 6,382 crore. Mela is expected to generate Rs 2 lakh crore over the next few months.
2. Infrastructure Development
Hosting an event of such scale requires infrastructure development, including roads, sanitation, and healthcare facilities. These improvements benefit the local population in the long run.
3. Local Employment & Job Creation
The Maha Kumbh Mela has created thousands of jobs, from construction workers to vendors and service providers. This surge in employment can have a lasting impact on the local economy.
Environmental Challenges
1. Environmental Degradation
The massive gathering poses significant environmental challenges, including pollution of water bodies, waste generation, and strain on natural resources.
2. Sustainable Practices
There is an urgent need to incorporate sustainable practices in organizing the Maha Kumbh Mela. Measures such as waste management, water conservation, and the use of renewable energy sources are much needed.
Conclusion - Need for Balancing Development and Tradition
While infrastructure and economic development is necessary, it should not come at the cost of environmental. A balanced approach that preserves environment while meeting the development need is key.
By combining tradition and modernity, Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 can become a model for sustainable cultural program.
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