Amidst the Navratri chanting of “Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu…” millions of devotees bow themselves before Durga Mata, the eternal symbol of power and motherhood. Even though we worship Mata, our society disrespects the Earth, rivers, cows, our nation, and even young girls. Although the law of the land speaks of their protection, but the gap between reverence in prayer and action in reality exposes deep hypocrisy. Moreover, in accordance with Article 48A of the Indian Constitution, the State is obligated to safeguard and enhance the environment (Mother Earth). Article 51A (g) also imposes the basic obligation on citizens to protect wildlife, waterways, and forests. Uncontrolled industrial pollution, deforestation, and mining are suffocating the mother Earth.
One must ask, what is the purpose of Mata Durga puja celebrations if the planet that nourishes us losing its dignity and life? In Fact the courts have recognized rivers as “living entities,” and the Ganga Mata, is one such entity. In 2017, the Uttarakhand High Court declared Ganga and Yamuna as legal persons, though the Supreme Court later stayed the order. The State acknowledges the divine sanctity of the Ganga through projects such as Namami Gange. Despite this, the river is still among the most polluted in the world.
The law provides for the Water Act, 1974, to prevent such degradation, but enforcement is slow. For instance, while devotees chant “Ganga Maiya ki Jai,” industrial effluents and sewage continue to pollute her waters. Similarly, we salute Bharat Mata in enthusiasm, yet constitutional values are being compromised daily. Corruption, inequality, and polarized politics undermine the vision of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity declared in the Preamble. To respect Bharat Mata is not merely to chant her name, but to uphold the Constitution the living evidence of her dignity.
Legally in most Indian states ban cow slaughter, and countless gaushalas exists for the sake of name. But abandoned cows roam freely on roadways, consuming plastic waste. If Go Mata is truly sacrosanct, the law and society must do more than simply make ritual offerings for her.
Perhaps the gravest irony lies here. As a form of ceremonial respect, young girls are presented with food and presents during Navratri in Kanya Pujan . Yet crimes against women and girls remain alarmingly high. Laws such as POCSO and IPC offer protection, while Article 21 ensures dignity and life and non-discrimination is guaranteed under Article 15. No amount of 9 day bowing will help a girl who lives in a society where she constantly deals with abuse and harassment.
Durga Mata puja represents accountability and responsibility, not mere ritual. Indian law already acknowledges the sanctity of nation, nature, women and animals. This Navratri, devotion must go beyond burning incense sticks and offerings. Respecting Durga Mata means respecting all the mothers the earth, rivers, cows, the nation, and women themselves.
Author Name- Soumya Sylka Sahoo, Ph.D. Research Scholar
