Date: March 23, 2023
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm EDT (3:00-4:45 pm UTC)
To join the program, please use this link: 
https://tinyurl.com/ssmwpc-water

Fresh water is essential for health, as well as for sustainable economic development, agriculture, food security, and ecosystem support for biodiversity. Yet sadly, it is estimated that by 2030, global demand for water will exceed supply. Shortage of water gravely endangers the health of the environment, humans, and all life on our planet. To address this impending threat within global climate change, the need for adaptation strategies, mitigation policies and innovative and sustainable water management solutions is paramount.

The Rainwater Harvesting Initiative launched by the International Sri Deep Madhavananda Fellowship offers a beacon of light. The Initiative provides a proven, sustainable, community-based solution to problems of water scarcity in desert and semi-arid regions. This grassroots project, inspired by Vishwaguruji Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, Founder of Yoga in Daily Life and the Om Vishwa Deep Gurukul Swami  Maheshwarananda Ashram Education & Research Centre, has already transformed desert in Rajasthan, India into a green oasis. The Initiative increases groundwater levels, provides surrounding rural communities with access to fresh water, and restores biodiversity within its ecosystem.

The on-line summit on the Rainwater Harvesting Initiative will feature a keynote address by His Holiness Vishwaguruji Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, who will speak about the wisdom and spiritual traditions of water use according to the ancient Indian science of yoga and Vedic culture. Distinguished speakers will tell the story of the Rainwater Harvesting Initiative, and speak about pathways toward a paradigm shift in human regard for water that reflects our shared  responsibility to protect and preserve oceans and waterways for the welfare of all living beings.

1. Welcome by Program Moderator Gregor Kos, Former Secretary-General, Ministry for Education, Science and Sport in Slovenia, and Second General Secretary of Sri Swami Madhavananda World Peace Council.
2. Keynote Address by His Holiness Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Sri Swami Maheshwarananda Puriji of Panchayati Maha Nirvani Akara, and Founder of Yoga in Daily Life, the System.
   Topic: Where There is Water, There is Life.
3. Denise Scotto, Esq., Chair, International Day of Yoga Committee at the U.N. 
   Topic: Engaging the Yoga Community at the United Nations in Water Advocacy.
4. Sadhvi Shanti Puri, Author of “The Healing Language of Nature”.
   Topic: Loving Mother Earth and Protecting Sacred Waterways in the Himalayas, followed by a guided meditation.
5. Swami Yogesh Puri, Chief Architect, Om Vishwa Deep Gurukul Swami Maheshwarananda Ashram Education & Research Centre (Om Ashram).
   Topic and Slideshow: Rainwater Harvesting: A Sustainable Local Solution for a Global Challenge.
6. Swami Vivek Puri, Mahamandaleshwar of Maha Nirvani Akhara, co-founder of Yoga In Daily Life Crotia.
   Topic: Water is a great teacher.
7. Eszter Lukacs, Vice President, University of Gyor, Hungary.
   Topic: Collaboration across borders: Local solutions, international financing, and engaging spiritual communities in climate change solutions.
8. Khyati Rathore, Climate Change Analyst at the World Bank. 
   Closing remarks.

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