Thorough knowledge of chemistry changed his life forever. Quitting the lucrative job of a teacher at a secondary school, a person who earned a Masters of Science (MSc) in chemistry from Jadavpur University decided to live the life of a recluse, when he learnt of the various harmful effects of chemical components.

From a teacher, he transformed into a recluse who is now working for the cause of the river Ganga. The recluse is none other than Swami Shivananad, founder of Matra Sadan. The lean and grey bearded swami works round-the-clock for saving the Ganga.

He did MSc way back in 1975 following his passion to study the chemistry which he feels drove him on path of spirituality. He had spiritual inclination since his childhood. But he had to continue education following wish of his parents and did post-graduation. Soon after getting the job of a teacher, many times he had visited Badrinath Dham where he did meditation. It became a routine for him. He started visiting the Holy place very often.

In 1994, during meditation at Badrinath, an intense wave struck his mind when he felt that he should start campaign for saving the river Ganga. Swami Shivananad returned to Haridwar where he founded Matra Sadan and launched a campaign for saving the Ganga. He has dedicated his whole life to save the river Ganga.

“My struggle to save the river Ganga will continue till my last breath. I would do all what I can to save the river. It has been providing water for free to mankind for centuries. Gangajal is panacea. It has qualities to strengthen immune power. Coming generation should also get advantage of it,” Shivananad said.

He said that he had no idea about the fact that knowledge of chemistry would lead him on path of life of a recluse who would launch a tirade against chemicals spoiling the river Ganga. “But it is the fact. A big thought, which was result of unification of many ongoing thoughts in mind, added to my spiritual leanings,” Shivananad said.

He said that as he had knowledge about properties of various chemical substances being dumped into the river Ganga, he knew that how much harm these were doing to the river. “I am utilising the knowledge in analysing the damage and creating awareness among the people to join save the river Ganga,” Shivananad said.

He said that he wants to tell the Union Government to pay more focus on governance instead of involving itself into business. “It should take steps for saving the river Ganga,” he said. As a hermit, he would continue his struggle to save the river. “I never think of result, I just believe in Karma,” Swami Shivananad said.