NEW DELHI/LEH: Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta participated in the inaugural celebrations of the Pratham Sindhu Kumbh and the 30th Sindhu Darshan Yatra in Leh, a six-day event being held from June 22 to June 27, 2026, bringing together thousands of devotees, scholars, spiritual leaders and members of the Indian diaspora from India and abroad.
Sindhu River and India’s Civilisational Identity
Vijender Gupta on Monday described the Sindhu River as a living symbol of India’s civilisational consciousness, saying that reconnecting with the historic river is synonymous with reconnecting with the country’s cultural, spiritual and historical foundations.
Speaking at the inaugural celebrations of the Pratham Sindhu Kumbh and the 30th edition of the Sindhu Darshan Yatra at Sindhu Ghat in Leh, Gupta said the river occupies a unique and permanent place in India’s collective memory and continues to inspire generations across the country.
Growing Significance of the Sindhu Darshan Yatra
The six-day event, being organised from June 22 to June 27, has brought together thousands of devotees, scholars, spiritual leaders, public representatives and members of the Indian diaspora from India and abroad. The gathering has emerged as an important platform promoting cultural exchange, spiritual reflection and national integration.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from various countries, religious leaders, eminent personalities and thousands of devotees, highlighting the growing national and international significance of the event.
‘Sindhu Is More Than a River’
Addressing the gathering, Vijender Gupta said the Sindhu River is far more than a geographical entity and remains deeply embedded in India’s identity.
“The Sindhu is not merely a river; it is a living embodiment of India’s civilisational consciousness. The river resides not only in our history but in our collective soul. Reconnecting with the Sindhu is, in many ways, reconnecting with the cultural and civilisational foundations that have shaped India through the ages,” he said.
Recognising Decades of Cultural Efforts
Gupta noted that the occasion represented much more than a cultural celebration and reflected decades of sustained efforts aimed at strengthening society’s connection with the Sindhu River and its historical legacy.
He particularly acknowledged the contributions of senior social leader Indresh Kumar, who, according to him, has consistently worked over several decades to draw national attention to the river’s historical, cultural and spiritual significance.
The Speaker said these efforts have helped revive public awareness about a civilisational heritage that continues to shape India’s identity in the modern era.
A Symbol of National Unity and Cultural Continuity
Emphasising the river’s enduring importance, Gupta described the Sindhu as an inseparable part of India’s civilisational journey and said it has long served as a symbol of cultural continuity and national unity.
He further observed that the growing popularity of the Sindhu Darshan movement reflects an increasing interest among citizens in reconnecting with India’s spiritual traditions and cultural roots.
According to him, what began as a cultural initiative years ago has gradually evolved into a major national movement with wider participation and relevance.
Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
Gupta also praised the organisers for their dedicated efforts in expanding the outreach of the programme and transforming it into a significant national platform.
He said such initiatives play a vital role in preserving India’s civilisational values while also encouraging younger generations to remain connected to the country’s rich heritage.
Welcoming ambassadors, public representatives, scholars and devotees attending the event, Gupta said the programme offers an opportunity to strengthen bonds among people through a shared appreciation of India’s cultural legacy.
The Speaker also expressed confidence that the Sindhu Darshan Yatra would continue to grow in stature and inspire future generations to embrace the values that have shaped Indian civilisation for centuries.
He was accompanied during the event by Delhi Legislative Assembly members Surya Prakash Khatri, Sanjay Goyal and Aahir Deepak Chaudhary.
Sindhu Darshan as a National Cultural Platform
The Sindhu Darshan Yatra has, over the years, evolved into a prominent cultural and spiritual gathering that seeks to celebrate the historical significance of the Sindhu River and its connection to India’s identity. The event attracts participants from different parts of the country and abroad, fostering a spirit of unity through shared cultural traditions.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, ambassadors, public representatives and religious leaders. Addressing the gathering, Gupta said, “The Sindhu is not merely a river; it is a living embodiment of India’s civilisational consciousness. The river resides not only in our history but in our collective soul.”
Emphasising the importance of reconnecting with the nation’s roots, he added, “Reconnecting with the Sindhu is, in many ways, reconnecting with the cultural and civilisational foundations that have shaped India through the ages.”
He also acknowledged the efforts of social leader Indresh Kumar in promoting awareness about the river’s historical and spiritual significance and said the growing Sindhu Darshan movement reflects citizens’ increasing desire to reconnect with India’s traditions.
Calling for stronger engagement with India’s heritage, Gupta said the initiative has evolved into a major platform for “cultural dialogue, national integration and spiritual reflection” that will continue to inspire future generations.
