Ms. Allka Shah, Managing Trustee of NirmalJyot with Hon. Minister of Environment & Cultural Affairs, Mr. Sanjay Deotale.

Mission of Trust is to promote eco-friendly behaviour by promoting clay idols and related all environment friendly projects, to reduce pollution cause by no-biodegrade material and more importantly the idols which are worshiped with so much devotion should be properly immersed. Ganesh made out of clay easily dissolves in water and will not break in to pieces. It’s very sad sight post immersions at seaside piece are visible at sea-shore.

Worshiping Ganesha a giver of wisdom warrants us to have knowledge of celebrating this festival so Puja in its true sense and significance. India has great spiritual and cultural tradition. Lord Ganesh is worshiped in million of home every day. During Independence struggle When India was against British Raj –Shri Lokmanya Balagangadhar Tilak started Sarvajanik Ganesh Festival to bring people together, a necessary collective platform to fight freedom movement which was otherwise restricted by British Raj. A spiritual platform was must for freedom movement to develop and strengthen. But today we are facing another hazard challenge to the mankind, necessiting us to save Planet Earth from pollution. Hazardous material and industrial waste has already polluted our sea and have taken toll on our our ecological system. These harmful dangers will continue to cause great damage to environment and there is an imminent need to get environment policies in place.

We have to inculcate the perspective of patriotism, spirituality and environment protection in our day to day life and practise it. Ganapati is God of Mother Earth. Festival is to be celebrated in keeping with spirit of ecological sustainment. There are inconsistencies if left unaddressed, could typically undermine the true meaning of celebration of festival in longer term.