Bhubaneswar: The students of SAI International Residential School paid a visit to DCP Pinak Mishra in Cuttack to showcase their initiative for an Eco- friendly Durga Puja.
During their visit, the students emphasized the significance of celebrating Durga Puja in an eco-friendly and harmonious manner, taking into consideration the various manifestations of Goddess Durga.
This approach aims to maintain a clean and green environment, reduce noise pollution, and raise awareness about emergency evacuation routes for ambulances and other exigencies.
Throughout these nine auspicious nights of Navratri, the students took inspiration from various forms of the deity to redefine our celebrations and promote a sustainable world, with each of Maa Durga’s nine forms signifying a distinct solution to each environmental issue.
Within every countenance lies a compelling message advocating for eco-friendly practices as depicted by the students.
Maa Shailaputri, the mountain’s daughter, inspires us to employ biodegradable decorations, embracing clay idols and bamboo-based pandals. Maa Brahmacharini urges us to reduce our carbon footprint, promote environmental norms, and maintain cleanliness. Maa Chandraghanta’s tranquility encourages us to shun noise pollution, replacing loudspeakers with divine sounds of conch shells and drums. Maa Kushmanda, the creator of the universe, illuminates our path with energy-efficient LED bulbs and solar-powered lights, reducing carbon emissions “ the students said.
Similarly, Maa Skandamata promotes artisanal, eco-friendly idols and minimalist pandal themes that conserve nature. Maa Katyayani encourages the rejection of plastics, while Maa Kalaratri guides us in traffic management and emergency preparedness.Maa Mahagauri emphasizes caring for the environment through bio-toilets and proper waste control. Maa Siddhidatri inspires an eco-friendly Visarjan, promoting water conservation and aquatic life protection, they added.
On the occasion, Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International, extended her warm Dussehra greetings to all. She said “I emphasize the paramount importance of celebrating an eco-friendly Durga Puja. It is our duty to care for Mother Nature by embracing biodegradable decorations, eco-friendly artisanal idols, and eliminating plastic from our festivities.”
Amitabh Agnihotri, the Headmaster, SAI International Residential School expressed, “I commend our children for their innovative ideas in preserving the planet for future generations. Urgency surrounds the need to celebrate Durga Puja without harming the ecosystem, aligning with the current environmental imperatives. This initiative sends a powerful message to society: being eco-friendly is the ultimate solution to restore a pollution-free world.”
