Rivers play an important role in our lives by supporting ecosystems and providing us with food, water and various other resources. World Rivers Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September annually to remind us of the importance of rivers and to encourage us to protect these treasure troves of natural resources. This year, World Rivers Day will be observed on September 22.
Apart from being nature’s lifelines, rivers also embody many qualities that we can all learn from. SCARLETT RODRIGUES asked a few RobinAgers which qualities of a river they would like to imbibe. Here’s what they had to say.
September 16, 2024
Ruhi Nerlekar
Class 10,
Sinhgad Spring Dale School, Pune
If I were to imbibe some qualities of a river in my life, they would surely be adaptability, resilience and generosity. Rivers are known for their ability to overcome obstacles. They can easily adapt to the grimmest of situations and find a way through every hurdle. They continue to flow fearlessly in the face of adversity. Rivers are also selfless. They provide water even to those who pollute them recklessly. They maintain a balance between stillness and flow, showing the importance of equilibrium. Rivers can enhance the beauty of places that seem very unappealing. One can attain a sense of stability by following the principles taught by rivers. If everyone imbibes the qualities of rivers, the world will become a better place to live in.
Aadya Uriti
Class 7,
Tatva Global School, Hyderabad
There are many qualities of a river I would like to incorporate into my life. Rivers are waterbodies that flow freely like a gentle breeze. I would like to have a mindset that is free and always optimistic about the future. The balanced and soothing flow of a river teaches me to balance work and rest. A river embraces adaptability by constantly moving through obstacles and adjusting to changing conditions. Similarly, I will adapt to the changes around me and accept them just like a river. A river never lets anything get in its way. If it meets a rock, it tries hard and flows over the rock, eventually smoothening it. This teaches me that I should not be afraid of obstacles and be perseverant and consistent. I should use my intelligence and talents to win over the challenges I face. And finally, I would like to imbibe a sense of peace and harmony just like a river.
Somisetty Sri Laasya
Class 7,
Tatva Global School, Hyderabad
The qualities of a river I would choose to imbibe are persistence, adaptability, depth, calmness, balance and a nurturing nature. Rivers adapt and adjust to their landscapes, persisting through obstacles. This teaches us resilience. They nurture ecosystems, which highlights the importance of connections and community. A river’s gentle, tranquil flow encourages inner peace amidst the chaos of the world. Rivers harmonise with their surroundings, demonstrating balance and reminding us to seek equilibrium. Rivers also remind us that we should flow with life’s current rather than resisting changes. This fosters a sense of acceptance and encourages us to enjoy life’s journey. Finally, the depth of rivers encourages introspection, underscoring the value of understanding ourselves and our emotions.
Jia Mathur
Class 6,
Step By Step School, Noida
Rivers, the foundations on which ancient human civilisations were built, have many qualities we should strive to imbibe. They flow constantly and never stop, demonstrating the importance of ‘going with the flow’ and making our way through the ups and downs of life. I want to imbibe this quality of perseverance. In the same way as rivers connect and rarely flow alone, we should also be connected with the people around us and lean on each other for support. Rivers have a ‘giving’ nature and provide people with food, water or a source of livelihood. Similarly, I will try to be someone that people can always trust and count on.
Paravi Singh
Class 5,
St Xavier’s High School, Gurugram
I love rivers and how they always carve a way for themselves and never give up. Whenever rivers find obstacles, they make a path around them and continue flowing steadily. A river’s flow represents moving through life continuously and resolutely. So, one thing I have learnt from rivers is not to give up no matter how hard situations get and to overcome my difficulties with patience and determination. Because if we never try, how will we succeed?
Niyati Khambra
Class 5,
Doon Public School, Panchkula, Haryana
Rivers are beautiful and convey a deep message of determination to us. They teach us to transform our stressful life into a flourishing one. Once rivers form and start flowing, they are constantly moving and never stop. They flow through deep, hard and dangerous paths, never ceasing to flow. In the end, they always find their way to a bigger water body. Similar to a river, I will continue to pursue my dreams till I reach my destination. I always remind myself that I have to keep pushing forwards just like a river. Rivers help people with their resources and have given birth to many civilisations. Similarly, I will be generous and help people and society.
ACTIVITY: Zig-zag Word Search
Find the following 10 words used in the article, ‘Rivers, the Source of Life’.