Analysis of Stille’s Ganges’ Next Life Essay Example

“There is a struggle and turmoil inside my heart...I want to take a holy dip… But at the same time, I know what B."

O. D. ”—biochemical oxygen demand—“ and fecal coliform are familiar terms to Mishra, who faces a unique struggle due to his dual identity as both the head of Sankat Mochan Temple and a professor of hydraulic engineering at Banaras Hindu University. Despite his deep connection to tradition and spirituality, Mishra recognizes the importance of modern values such as environmental safety and acknowledges the inevitability of technology's presence in our lives: "These things—satellite television, this internet surfing—are with us whether we like it or not” (610).

As technology progresses and expands, the difference between modern and traditional values becomes more evident. Despite their distinctiveness, these values have already started to blend in various aspects of Indian culture. For instance, the television, a relatively new technology, has been modified for the conventional use of worship. Indian households install television sets on altars and pray before them while watching religious movies. Initially, this practice may seem unholy and almost sinful. However, they are not adoring the technology but employing it to worship their deities.

The celebration of the wedding anniversary of the gods Shiva and Parvati is marked by Indians adorning shrines with pulsating disco music and flashing electric lights, a decor which is often perceived as sacrilegious in the Western world. However, according to Mishra, "ordinary Indians were clustered around them in devout worship, just as they would have been a generation or millennium ago" (610), indicating an integration of traditional and modern values that represents a new era of combined ideals. Mishra also believes that

finding a median and compromise can overcome the disparities among values.

Mishra acknowledges the necessity of resorting to western technologies in order to address the ecological disaster that has befallen the river. This deviation from his conventional religious duties as mahant has facilitated his interaction with politicians in New Delhi, officials from the American State Department, as well as environmentalists and scientists from various parts of the world. In his attempts to preserve Hindu traditions that he cherishes, Mishra endeavors to integrate the best Western practices. Nonetheless, solely relying on western technology will not suffice to solve the predicament affecting the Ganges. By incorporating western assistance, Mishra undertakes an uncustomary role that combines tradition and technology. Fortunately, Oswald's water cleanup technology is capable of cleaning the contaminated water that poses a threat to the tradition of bathing in the Ganges, thus aiding in its preservation.

The Ganges can only be effectively cleaned if both religious devotion and modern science are applied, as emphasized by Stille (610) who advocates for the unification of these two values. Therefore, for a successful cleanup of the Ganges, both the reverence for the river and its customs, as well as Western ecological concerns must come together. This endeavor serves as a true test of India’s culture’s capacity to marry ancient beliefs with contemporary principles. Stille acknowledges that India must incorporate contemporary technologies and values while preserving its cultural identity. Therefore, a balance between upholding traditions and embracing new approaches is vital to save the Ganges.