LUCKNOW, Sept. 22 -- In a confluence of literature, leadership and local pride, La Martiniere College's historic Spence Hall hosted a discussion on Deepika Chaturvedi's book, 'Along the Banks of River Gomti'. The event turned out to be a rallying cry for the conservation of the river. The chief guests at the event included Manuka Khanna, vice-chancellor of Lucknow University, and Gary Dominic Everett, principal of La Martiniere College, while the guests of honour were Dr Akhilesh Mishra, additional election commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, and Pulkit Khare, managing director of the UP Skill Development Mission. Dr Mishra said it was the responsibility of every citizen to keep the river clean. Khare brought administrative insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding urban river conservation. He recalled his 'padyatra' which he undertook to raise awareness among masses for water conservation. Both officers lauded the book's role in reconnecting the public with the historical and ecological value of the Gomti. The event drew a wide spectrum of voices -- from education, literature, governance and activism -- each echoing a singular message: "The Gomti river must be protected, not just remembered." Gary Dominic Everett emphasised the institution's legacy of fostering thought and civic responsibility. Dr Kirti Vikram Singh, regional director (I/C), IGNOU (Lucknow), linked river conservation to academic research and policy engagement. KB Pant, CEO, Dance Sports Association of UP, spoke about the power of social culture in driving civic action to keep the river clean. Deepika Chaturvedi's book, previously launched by governor Anandiben Patel, intertwines personal memory with city history, using the Gomti as both metaphor and reality to explore Lucknow's cultural evolution. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks and a renewed call for citizens, institutions, and policymakers to unite in saving the river before its story becomes one of loss rather than legacy. htc...