Saints advised to walk, use public transport, avoid convoys

Prayagraj: The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation by urging saints across the country to reduce use of vehicles and adopt simpler, environment-friendly modes of travel. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of saints in Nashik under the chairmanship of ABAP president Mahant Ravindra Puri. Preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela were also reviewed at the meet.“Seers associated with Akhara Parishad have always been at the forefront whenever Sanatan Dharma or the nation faced challenges and be it for the cause of protecting religious traditions or spreading social awareness, seers have always played an active role in public life. In the present situation, ABAP is in favour of conserving fuel and promoting responsible consumption, as a national duty,” said Puri.He further appealed to seers to avoid travelling with long convoy of vehicles and suggested that instead of one or two people travelling in separate four-wheelers, five to six seers should travel together in a single vehicle and thereby reduce fuel consumption. Seers travelling for more than 200 kms were advised to use buses or trains instead of private cars.Akhara Parishad also urged younger saints to avoid unnecessary display and excessive use of luxury vehicles. They were encouraged to prefer two-wheelers and public transport for shorter journeys. The council further resolved that saints would adopt walking as a regular practice and avoid using vehicles for short-distance travel between temples and ashrams.Chief patron of Juna Akhara, Hari Giri, said seers would walk five to 10 kms daily and motivate devotees to save petrol and avoid unnecessary purchase of gold to support Prime Minister’s appeal. He said such efforts by religious leaders could create greater public awareness about responsible consumption and national interest.During the meeting, seers also discussed preparations for the 2027 Kumbh Mela and expressed satisfaction with arrangements by Maharashtra govt under chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Religious leaders said collective participation by seers and devotees in fuel conservation efforts could send a strong social message across the country.