The Hindon River is an important river in northern India, flowing through Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It has a long history and was once known by its ancient name, Harnandi. This name reflects its cultural and spiritual significance in the past, making the river an essential part of the region’s heritage.

Old Name of Hindon River

The Hindon River, which is a significant water source in Uttar Pradesh, was once known as the Harnandi. It holds a deep connection to Indian mythology, history and religious traditions.

Mythology of the Hindon River

In ancient times, the Hindon River was referred to as the Harnandi in the Mahabharata. It is mentioned as an important place where the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic, prayed at the confluence of the Hindon and Krishna Rivers. This place was known as Varnavrat, which is today called Barnava.

Historical Significance of Hindon River

The Hindon River played a crucial role during the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. Several battles took place along its banks, including the Battle of Badli Ki Serai, where Indian sepoys fought against the British army. This river witnessed many such skirmishes during the rebellious period.

Origin of the Hindon River

The Hindon River begins its journey from the Shivalik mountains in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. From where, it flows through various districts, including Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Noida and Greater Noida. Finally, it merges with the Yamuna River near the Momnathal and Tilwada villages in the Gautam Buddh Nagar District.

Catchment Area of the Hindon River

The catchment area of the Hindon River is around 7,083 square kilometers. This means the area from which the river gathers its water is quite vast, spreading across several regions in Uttar Pradesh.

Religious Importance of the Hindon River

At the confluence of the Hindon, Kali and Nadi rivers in Barnava, there is a significant religious site known as the Ancient Mahadev Temple. The spot is considered sacred by many and attracts numerous visitors who come for spiritual reasons.

The Waterman of India is a title for someone who works to solve water problems and revive rivers. Through efforts like water harvesting and conservation, they bring water to drought-prone areas, improving lives and inspiring others to save this vital resource. In this article, we will know about the person who is known as the “Waterman of India.”

Waterman of India

Rajendra Singh, called the “Waterman of India,” is a famous water conservationist from Rajasthan. He revived dry rivers like Arvari and helped thousands of villages manage water using traditional methods like johads. Through hos NGO, Tarun Bharat Sangh, he won awards like the Magsaysay Award (2001) and Stockholm Water Prize (2015).

Early Life of Rajendra Singh

Rajendra Singh was born on 6th August 1959 in the village of Daula in Uttar Pradesh’s Bagpat district. The eldest of seven siblings, he grew up on his family’s farmland. His father was an agriculturist who owed 60 acres of land. Singh’s interest in community service began in high school when he joined efforts to improve village life, clean the surroundings, and eradicate alcoholism. Influenced by mentors, he became passionate about social issues and democracy during his formative years.

Journey into Water Conservation

Rajendra Singh started his career in government service but soon felt dissatisfied with its limitations. In 1984, he left his job, sold his belongings, and moved to Alwar, Rajasthan, with a group of friends. There, he established a base in Bhikampura village and began working with villagers to address water scarcity.

The Revival of Traditional Water Techniques

Singh’s efforts focused on reviving traditional water conservation methods like johads (earthen check dams) to store rainwater and recharge groundwater. With the help of villagers, he resorted an old johad in Gopalpura. When the monsoon arrived, the structure successfully collected rainwater, and nearby wells refilled after years of being dry.

Inspired by this success, villagers, built more johads, eventually leading to the revival of rivers like Arvari, Ruparel, Sarsa, Bhagani and Jahajwali, which had been dry for decades.

Fighting for Water and Nature

Rajendra Singh faced challenges from mining activities, which were depleting water resources. He fought legal battles, leading to a ban on mining in the Aravalli Hills by 1992. His organization, Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS), played a pivotal role in creating over 8,600 water structures, bringing water back to more than 1,000 villages in Rajasthan.

Expanding the Mission

The success of TBS spread beyond Rajasthan, reaching parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Singh also initiated the Pani Panchayat (Water Parliament) to educate people about water conservation and sustainable use of resources.

Awards and Recognition to Rajendra Singh

Rajendra Singh’s remarkable work has earned him numerous awards:

• Ramon Magsaysay Award (2001): For his leadership in water management.
• Jamnalal Bajaj Award (2005): For rural development through science and technology.
• Stockholm Water Prize (2015): Known as the “Nobel Prize for Water.”
• Recognition by The Guardian as one of the “50 people who could save the planet” in 2008.

Legacy of Waterman of India

Rajendra Singh’s efforts have transformed arid regions, revived rivers and empowered communities to manage their water resources sustainably. His journey inspires millions to value water and protect the environment.

Cardamom is a popular spice grown in India, known for its unique aroma and flavor. It is mainly grown in the southern states in India, and the production of cardamom plays an important role in the economy of these regions. Below are the top-5 cardamom-producing states in India.

Cardamom Production in India

India’s total cardamom production is around 8,000 tonnes, making it the second-largest producer in the world, after Guatemala. The global production of cardamom is about 35,000 metric tonnes annually. India plays a key role in meeting the global demand for this valuable spice, mainly through production in states like Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

5 Cardamom Producing Indian States

India is one of the largest producers of Cardamom, thanks to its favorable climate, fertile soil and advanced farming techniques across several states. Here are the names of top-5 cardamom producing Indian states:

• Kerala
• Sikkim
• Nagaland
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Karnataka

India’s Largest Cardamom Producing State

Kerala is the largest producer of cardamom in India. With a production of 15,540 tonnes, Kerala contributes more than half (58.6%) of the total cardamom grown in India. The state’s ideal climate, with temperatures between 10-35ºC, makes it perfect for Cardamom cultivation. Kerala’s fertile land and favorable weather conditions allow farmers to grow a large amount of Cardamom. Additionally, the state plays a crucial role in India’s cardamom exports, which significantly boosts the country’s economy.

Sikkim, Second Largest Cardamom Producing State

Sikkim is known for producing large cardamom. The state’s loamy soil and ideal pH level make it perfect for cultivation. Sikkim uses modern farming techniques like nurseries and irrigation to increase production, contributing 19.8% of India’s total Cardamom output.

Nagaland

Nagaland ranks third in cardamom production by using innovative farming methods and government support. The state’s farmers adopt modern techniques like e-selling, allowing them to produce more cardamom efficiently. This makes Nagaland a significant contributor to India’s cardamom supply.

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh has shifted from opium to cardamom farming, with favorable climate and soil conditions. The government supports farmers with policies and resources, helping the state grow cardamom. Arunachal Pradesh is expected to increase its production in the future.

Karnataka

Karnataka is known for producing various spices, including cardamom. The fertile Western Ghats region and monsoon climate make it ideal for farming cardamom. Karnataka contributes 3.5% to India’s total production, with farmers efficiently growing the spice in the state.

In 2024, numerous prestigious awards and honors were given to individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions in various fields. These awards recognize excellence in areas such as science, literature, sports and arts. They not only celebrate achievements but also inspire others to strive for greatness. This article highlights some of the most important awards and the recipients who made a significant impact in their respective domains this year.

Nobel Prizes 2024

The Nobel Prizes are among the most well-known awards worldwide. They honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding work in science, literature, peace and economics. The winners for 2024 were announced in October. Here is a look at the Novel Prize categories and their recipients:

Insights into Nobel Winners

• Physiology or Medicine: The discovery of microRNA by Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun has changed our understanding of gene regulation, crucial for many life processes.
• Physics: John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton’s work in artificial neural networks has paved the way for advancements in machine learning and AI.
• Chemistry: David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper’s work on protein structure prediction using AI has solved many long-standing challenges in science.
• Literature: Han Kang is recognized for her unique writing style that explores deep human emotions and historical themes.
• Peace Prize: Nihon Hidankyo was awarded for its tireless efforts in promoting a world without nuclear weapons and representing the survivors of the atomic bombings.
• Economic Sciences: The research by Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson focused on how institutions influence economic growth and development.

Padma Awards (India)

The Padma Awards are some of the highest civilian honors in India. They are given to individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. The awards are divided into three categories:

Academy Awards (Oscars)

The Oscars, or Academy Awards, honor the best achievements in film. The winners in 2024 were:

The year 2024 has seen remarkable individuals and organizations receive recognition for their contributions to society. From revolutionary scientific discoveries to exceptional artistic achievements and impactful humanitarian efforts, these awards celebrate the dedication, creativity and resilience of the people shaping our world.