Bhubaneswar: Students of SAI International Residential School visited DCP Cuttack Pinak Mishra on Wednesday to showcase their initiative for an eco-friendly Durga Puja.
The SAIoneers emphasised the significance of celebrating Durga Puja in an eco-friendly and harmonious manner, taking into consideration various avatars of Goddess Durga. The aim is to maintain a clean and green environment, reduce noise pollution and raise awareness about emergency evacuation routes for ambulances and other exigencies.
For the nine auspicious nights of Navratri, the students took inspiration from various forms of the deity to redefine celebrations and promote a sustainable world, with each of Maa Durga’s nine forms signifying a distinct solution to different environmental issues.
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 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, creator of the universe, illuminates our path with energy-efficient LED bulbs and solar-powered lights, reducing carbon emissions. 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 effective traffic management and emergency preparedness. Maa Mahagauri emphasises 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
Extending her warm Dussehra greetings to all, SAI International Chairperson Dr Silpi Sahoo said, “I emphasise 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.”
SAI International Residential School Headmaster Amitabh Agnihotri commended the students for their innovative ideas in preserving the planet for future generations.
“This initiative sends a powerful message to society: being eco-friendly is the ultimate solution to restore a pollution-free world,” he said.