LET THIS YEAR’S GANESH UTSAV BE ECO FRIENDLY

Vivekananda College’s Eco Club had invited me for a meaningful program today.

Lokmanya Tilak – the Great Patriot of this soil was responsible for the “Sarvajanik Vinayak Mahotsav” in the early years of last century. His intention was to use the celebration to spread the message of Freedom movement.

Today also, we have an excellent opportunity to become Eco-friendly through these celebrations. These are the days when we come across many Vinayak Utsavs in every area and in every street. But unfortunately, the celebrations of festival of the most people-friendly God – Lord Ganesh, are no longer eco-friendly. Chronic poison, ‘Lead’ is rampantly used in the glossy paints that help to colour the idols of Ganesh. This metal when enters the water sources, during the immersion of idols, millions in number, starts destroying the balance of the eco-system. Incidentally, Lord Ganesh is revered as “Master of intellect and wisdom”. We should be aware that his worship too reflect that intellect and wisdom. Sadly, it is the other way round, as our celebrations are anything but sound and intelligent.

The program at Vivekananda College today was an earnest effort to spread the message about the need to worship Eco-friendly Ganesh idols.  That was attempted through a student rally. The message was that only clay made, unpainted Ganesh idoAl be used for this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi and henceforth. Worship Lord Ganesh, while respecting our environment was the message. Thousands of students distributed pamphlets to the citizens in a bid to make them understand the noble motive behind this programme.

This programme should become a movement. The brain behind this healthy thinking is Prof. Sripathi Head of the Department, Chemistry (Mob-9480109221), Vivekanada College. 

Isn’t it a worthy effort for us to resolve in the like manner in our own interest?

S.SURESH KUMAR