Nag Panchami Celebration Highlights Coexistence, Science, and Community Engagement in RJS PBH's 400th Episode

Nag Panchami Celebration Highlights Coexistence, Science, and Community Engagement in RJS PBH's 400th Episode

New Delhi – The Ram Janaki Sansthan Positive Broadcasting House (RJS PBH) and RJS Positive Media jointly marked a significant milestone on July 29, 2025, hosting the 400th episode of "Amrit Kaal Ka Sakaratmak Bharat Uday." This landmark event, a prominent part of the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" – hailed as India's largest and longest public participation initiative – coincided with the auspicious occasion of Nag Panchami and the 68th birthday of co-organizer and guest editor RJS Newsletter, Rajendra Singh Kushwaha. The program, themed "Nag Panchami: A Symbol of Coexistence with Nature, Living Beings, and Snakes," brought together a diverse panel of experts and cultural proponents to underscore the profound cultural, ecological, and scientific dimensions of human-snake interaction, while also announcing key organizational developments and crucial public welfare initiatives.

The program commenced with **Uday Kumar Manna**, the Founder & National Convener RJS PBH , extending a warm welcome to all participants. He highlighted the dual celebration of Nag Panchami and Rajendra Singh Kushwaha's birthday, emphasizing the platform's versatility in hosting various events to spread positivity. Manna formally announced Rajendra Singh Kushwaha's expanded role within RGS PBH: "Today, on his birthday, it is being announced that the responsibility for the August 10th program will be taken by Rajendra Singh Kushwaha as part of the organizing committee." He further specified that RGS Observer Deep Mathur, RGS PBH Observer Prafull D Sheth, and Ranjan Bend Sheth had included Mr. Kushwaha in the organizing committee for the August 10th event, which will be a significant book release at Sharda Auditorium, Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. This appointment, Manna noted, signifies a strategic expansion of RJS PBH's leadership team and its commitment to diverse programming. Manna set the program's core theme, connecting Nag Panchami to India's unique cultural tradition of worshipping living beings and nature. He also promoted a series of upcoming RGS PBH events, reinforcing the organization's mission to spread positivity and awareness: a poetry event on August 2nd featuring female poets ("Azadi Ke Tarane"), the second phase of TIFA 25 awards and workshops on August 31st, and individual programs by Sarita Kapoor (August 1st), Dayaram Saroliya (August 4th), D.P. Kushwaha (August 2nd, poetry recitation), and Sunil Kumar Singh (August 7th). Rajendra Singh Kushwaha will also lead a yoga, pranayama, and meditation program on August 15th at 11 AM.

**Nisha Chaturvedi**, a powerful RGSian from TIFA 25, opened the program with an auspicious prayer (shloka) dedicated to Nag Panchami, setting a traditional and spiritual tone. She provided a detailed mythological and religious background for Nag Panchami, explaining that Nagas are considered the sons of Maharishi Kashyap and Kadru. Chaturvedi highlighted the significance of prominent Nagas such as Vasuki (adorned by Lord Shiva), Sheshnag (upon whom Lord Vishnu rests), and Takshak. She recounted key mythological narratives, including Lord Krishna's subjugation of Kaliya Naag and the "Sarpa Satra" yagna (snake sacrifice) initiated by Parikshit's son Janamejaya, which was halted by Astik Rishi. Her core message underscored the cultural belief that snakes are divine beings and should be worshipped rather than harmed, advocating for their protection and respect within the framework of Indian tradition. She mentioned the practice of offering food to snake deities and drawing their colorful images for worship.

Following the cultural opening, **Rajendra Singh Kushwaha**, the co-organizer and guest editor, expressed profound gratitude for the birthday wishes. He shared personal experiences of celebrating Nag Panchami, including performing puja at a local temple and worshipping nature at a biodiversity park, illustrating his deep connection to the theme. He even shared images of his morning puja, where he offered water and milk to snake deities. Kushwaha provided historical and religious insights into the unique Nag Chandreshwar Temple in Ujjain, located within the Mahakal temple complex, which opens only on Nag Panchami. He detailed its rare 11th-century idol of Lord Shiva and Parvati seated on Sheshnag, an image brought from Nepal, noting that this is the only temple in the world where Shiva is depicted on Sheshnag's coils. He recounted the legend of Takshak Naga's penance to Lord Shiva, leading to Shiva granting him immortality and residing in Mahakal forest. The temple's doors are opened only on Nag Panchami to prevent disturbance to Takshak's meditation. Kushwaha emphasized the importance of understanding snakes and their role in nature, aligning with the program's theme of coexistence. He concluded by delivering the vote of thanks, reiterating his appreciation for all speakers, guests, and the RGS PBH team, and encouraged continued participation in the organization's positive initiatives.

The Chief Guest, **Shalini Verma** from Doha, Qatar, and editor of Navchetna Hindi Patrika, congratulated RGS PBH on its 400th episode and Rajendra Singh Kushwaha on his birthday. Drawing on her over 20 years of experience living abroad, she spoke passionately about the concerted efforts of the Indian diaspora to preserve and promote Indian culture and language, including her initiative to start a Hindi magazine for the community, encouraging children and women to write in Hindi. Verma offered insightful details about Qatar's economic prowess, noting its status as one of the world's richest countries due to vast natural gas and petroleum reserves. She underscored the significant presence and contributions of Indian professionals and businessmen in key sectors, including their role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, stating, "Indian professionals are present in all major positions, be it managers, CEOs, or executives." She articulated a profound philosophical perspective on Indian festivals like Nag Panchami, stating that they are not mere rituals but represent a "deep life philosophy" centered on maintaining balance with nature and respecting all forms of life. She recited a self-composed poem that beautifully intertwined the themes of Nag Panchami, nature's beauty, and the enduring spirit of Indian traditions: "When monsoon drops fall on earth, a green blanket spreads across the world... Nag Panchami brings a new tradition... India's soil is steeped in color, every festival has nature's company." Verma also drew a parallel between India's traditional reverence for nature and Qatar's strict environmental protection laws, emphasizing the universal importance of ecological balance, noting that "if even one tree is cut, a fine of millions of rupees is imposed." She stressed the importance of passing on these traditions to future generations.

The main speaker, **Dr. Debanik Mukherjee**, a Field Biologist from CEMDE, University of Delhi, provided expert insights into snakes, their ecological role, venom, and safety measures, drawing on his 24 years of experience. He began by dispelling the common misconception that pythons (Ajgar) are venomous, clarifying their non-venomous nature. He identified the four most dangerous venomous snake species found in India: the Common Cobra (or Binocellate Cobra), Common Krait, Russell's Viper, and Saw-scaled Viper, providing crucial information for public awareness. Dr. Mukherjee emphasized the vital ecological role of snakes in maintaining environmental balance, particularly their function in controlling rodent populations, which directly benefits agriculture and economic stability. "If there are no snakes, rats will multiply. If rats multiply, there will be huge losses to our agriculture. Our economic balance can also be disturbed," he stated. He strongly advocated against killing snakes, explaining that they typically bite only for food or in self-defense, urging for coexistence rather than fear.

Dr. Mukherjee provided essential first-aid guidelines for snakebites: immediately lie down, remain calm, avoid consuming anything, and seek prompt medical attention at a hospital for anti-venom serum (AVS). He strictly advised against traditional remedies or tourniquets, explaining that binding the bitten limb can cause blood clotting and potentially lead to amputation. He highlighted the complex issue of "geographical venom variation," explaining that antivenom developed in one region might not be fully effective against snakebites in other areas due to differences in venom composition. "If a cobra bites me here, the antivenom serum produced in South India will not work. This is the problem," he elaborated. He offered practical advice for preventing snakes from entering homes, such as using phenol or carbolic acid, which he personally tested. He cautioned against handling snakes without expert knowledge, stating, "It is very dangerous to catch them if you don't know." Dr. Mukherjee concluded by drawing a powerful analogy between Lord Shiva's act of consuming poison (becoming Nilkanth) and humanity's responsibility to protect and coexist with snakes and the environment, asserting that "Science and religion are not separate."

During the extensive Q&A session, Dr. Mukherjee addressed various concerns from the audience: He reiterated the four dangerous snake species, noting that despite 300 species in India, only these four pose a significant threat. Regarding the Common Krait, he explained its nocturnal habits, especially after rain, and its tendency to enter homes seeking warmth, as snakes are cold-blooded. He warned that a Krait bite can kill a person in half an hour. He confirmed that snakes primarily feed on rodents, insects, and pigeons, emphasizing their role in pest control. He explained "dry bites" where venom is not injected, leading to survival. On antivenom production, he mentioned Hapkin Institute, Chennai, and Kasauli, but stressed the ongoing problem of venom variation, especially for species like the Monocellate Cobra found in Northeast India, which differs from the Binocellate Cobra. He also discussed the need for specific antivenoms for various pit vipers. When asked about water snakes, he clarified that most freshwater snakes are not venomous, but sea snakes are highly venomous due to evolutionary adaptations. He explained that the "flying snake" (Chrysopelea) found in Bihar and Bengal is mildly venomous with rear fangs and glides using flattened ribs. He discussed the "rat snake" (Dhamin), a non-venomous, fast-moving snake, and supported its designation as a state snake due to its crucial role in controlling rodent populations, thus benefiting agriculture. Addressing the common belief about mongooses and snakes, he stated that while mongooses have developed some immunity to cobra venom through co-evolution, a King Cobra can still kill them. He emphasized that snakes generally do not bite unless provoked or for food, and the primary reason they enter human habitats is in search of rodents, dispelling common fears.

**Rati Chaubey**, an Advocate and Poet from Nagpur, began her address by extending heartfelt birthday wishes to Rajendra Singh Kushwaha through a self-composed poem. She explained that Nag Panchami, celebrated in the month of Shravan, symbolizes the principle of coexistence among humans, nature, and all living beings, reflecting the inclusive ethos of Indian culture. Chaubey cited various religious and mythological reasons for celebrating Nag Panchami, including the belief that Naga Puja removes "Kaal Sarp Dosha," Lord Krishna's victory over Kaliya Naag, and Vasuki's role in assisting Lord Shiva during the Samudra Manthan. She highlighted the practical ecological benefit of snakes in controlling rodent populations, thereby protecting crops, which contributes to their veneration despite their venomous nature. She recalled the ancient tale of Astik Rishi, who intervened to stop the "Sarpa Yagna" (snake sacrifice), saving countless snakes. Chaubey concluded by reciting a powerful Sanskrit shloka, asserting that its regular recitation can protect individuals from snakebites, reinforcing the spiritual aspect of snake reverence. She also mentioned the cultural practice of not cooking on an iron griddle on Nag Panchami, as it symbolizes the snake's hood.

**Dayaram Saroliya**, a Kabir Panthi singer from Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, contributed a poignant satirical poem that highlighted a societal paradox: "Maati ka nag pooje, pooje log lugai, sacha nag ghar mein nikle, le lathi dumkaaye." (People worship clay snakes, but if a real snake appears in the house, they take a stick and threaten it.) This verse directly challenged the inconsistency between ritualistic reverence and practical fear, urging for a more genuine embrace of coexistence.

**Dr. Kavita Parihar** from Nagpur, Maharashtra, also offered poetic birthday wishes to Rajendra Singh Kushwaha. While briefly touching upon the diversity of snake species and aspects of snake venom, her most impactful contribution was highlighting a significant and recent government resolution (GR) in Maharashtra that provides **₹10 lakh (1 million Indian Rupees) in compensation to the families of snakebite victims**, recognizing this as a crucial step towards public welfare and support for affected families.

**Md. Ishaq Khan** contributed to the discussion by emphasizing that snakes typically bite only for two primary reasons: to procure food or in self-defense, aiming to demystify common fears surrounding them. Khan quoted a profound Sanskrit saying, "Durjaneshu cha Sarpeshu varam Sarpeshu na Durjanah," which translates to "Among wicked people and snakes, snakes are better than wicked people." He used this ancient wisdom to illustrate that malicious humans, who may cause harm at every step, are arguably more dangerous than snakes, which only strike when provoked. He concluded by advocating for a broader sense of compassion and understanding, urging the audience to extend their consideration not just to snakes but to all living beings, reflecting a holistic approach to coexistence.

Uday Kumar Manna concluded the program by expressing gratitude to all speakers and participants, emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness, particularly in rural areas, about snake safety and coexistence. He reiterated that the program's content would be published in the RGS PBH newsletter and in a book to be released on August 10th. Manna also highlighted the ongoing "Azadi Parv" (Freedom Festival) from August 1st to 15th, featuring various programs on the RGS PBH YouTube channel. He specifically invited everyone to the Rajyoga Meditation program on July 31st at 5 PM, noting that the President of India had overcome depression through this practice, and announced that Advocate Rati Chaubey would operate that session. Rajendra Singh Kushwaha, in his vote of thanks, expressed deep appreciation for all the birthday wishes and the insightful contributions from Dr. Debanik Mukherjee and Shalini Verma. He thanked Uday Kumar Manna for his excellent moderation and invited everyone to future RGS PBH programs, including the TIFA 25 workshop on July 31st. Manna ended with the powerful slogan "Charaiveti Charaiveti" (keep moving forward), encouraging continued effort in making history for a positive India. The 400th episode successfully demonstrated RGS PBH's commitment to fostering positive thinking, promoting cultural understanding, and contributing to societal well-being through informed discussions and community initiatives.