The mortal remains of the scientist turned ascetic Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand (pre monastic name Professor G D Agarwal) who had died after 111 day-long fast for the unbridled flow of Ganga river have been kept for ‘darshan’ by Ganga lovers and devotees at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh. After registration the devotees can have glimpse of his body preserved in formalin solution from 1 pm.

It is mention worthy here that the late Sanand had kept a fast unto death demanding Ganga Act on October 11 in AIIMS Rishikesh where he was forcefully admitted by the district administration and police while fasting in Matri Sadan ashram at Jagjeetpur in Haridwar. Sanand had demanded immediate passage in Parliament of the special legislation for the Ganga. In case of non-viability of immediate passing of bill, he had asked from the government for promulgation of an ordinance to give effect to the proposed legislation. Besides, he had pressed for enforcing the ban on illegal mining of sand and sandstone from Ganga river.

The ascetic had demanded that hydro power projects and construction works along Alaknanda, Mandakini, Pinder,

Dhauliganga, Bhagirathi and Mandakini must be stopped. He had alleged that the chief engineers and other officials in the present Ganga Board framed by the Government were not having devotion for Ganga.

Only the devoted and faithful people must be officiating the Ganga board who would not tolerate any kind of damage to the Ganga in any form, Sanand had demanded.

The registration by those who wished to pay tribute to the ascetic’s mortal remains in AIIMS can be made personally as well as through web portal at ana@aiimsrishikesh.edu.in said a statement issued by the hospital. Speaking to The Pioneer, The director of AIIMS Professor Ravi Kant said, “No one shall be allowed to carry mobile or camera. Pre-registration is a must for those who wish to have his glimpse and pay homage to the departed ascetic.”

Though the ascetic had donated his body to the department of Anatomy in AIIMS, Rishikesh but some of his disciples and family members before taking to monasticism had appealed for having last glimpse of Sanand’s mortal body. The ascetics from Matri Sadan had demanded hospital authorities to allow to keep the mortal remains of Sanand in Matri Sadan for three days but AIIMS had denied.

They made a plea in the court following which on November 2, the court of law directed AIIMS hospital to allow the devotees to have glimpse of the late ascetic.

When quizzed Swami Shivanand of Matri Sadan said, “Since very limited number of people, only 10 in a group is allowed, we are not going today from Matri Sadan. We have a big following. Other people would be going.”

It should be mentioned here that those who register will be allowed to view the body and pay tribute on 10 Sundays.