Embark on a Voyage of the Rivers of India, with stopovers at the Ganges, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, through Sunil Vaidyanathan and Shayoni Mitra's coffee table book
Embark on a Voyage of the Rivers of India, with stopovers at the Ganges, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, through Sunil Vaidyanathan and Shayoni Mitra's coffee table book
With an aim to explore the major rivers of India and understand their symbiosis with the people living along their banks, Sunil Vaidyanathan and Shayoni Mitra began their journey across the important rivers of the country a few years ago. What resulted was a book titled Rivers of India -- a pictorial journey that highlighted the relationship between communities and the waterbodies and brought to fore the enormous pollution and degradation that these rivers are subjected to. 
Eight rivers, namely the Brahmaputra, Ganges, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi, Narmada and Yamuna, form the focus of this book. The authors narrowed down to these eight rivers based on the demographics and their unchecked exploitation. These rivers have also played a significant role in Indian art, music and religion.
Through brilliant pictures, the photojournalists have explored the different aspects of the rivers -- the economical, cultural and religious significance of each of them. 
Along with this, the many myths and stories attached to the rivers have also become part of the book. For example, according to the Vedas and Puranas, all inhabitants on earth emerged from the sea. For Hindus, the religious significance of these rivers is enormous. What is surprising is that though these rivers are considered sacred, no care is being taken and their ecological degradation is occurring at a rapid speed. As a result of drinking contaminated water, a child dies every eight seconds. This is just one of the alarming facts that have been listed in the book. 
Highlighting facts like these, the authors hope to arouse a sense of social responsibility towards the rivers. According to the authors, Rivers of India is an attempt to bridge the gap between those living along the rivers, who become victims of their own avarice, and people of the cities, who also share the responsibility of the degradation equally.
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Rivers of India by Sunil Vaidyanathan and Shayoni Mitra; published by Niyogi Books; Rs 2,900
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