National : In an inspiring display of environmental consciousness and commitment to preserving our planet, students from SAI International School met with Shri S.K. Priyadarshi, IPS, Commissioner of Police, BBSR-CTC, Bhubaneswar, to present their innovative initiative for an “Eco-Friendly Durga Puja.” This pioneering approach seeks to harmonize the grandeur of the festival with a deep commitment to environmental preservation.
Recognizing the significance of Durga Puja as a time of unity and celebration, the SAI International School students, known as SAIoneers, creatively linked the attributes of Goddess Durga’s weapons to modern environmental and social concerns:
The Lotus: Symbolizing spiritual consciousness, this inspired a call for eco-friendly Visarjan practices, including water conservation, biodegradable materials, and the removal of adornments to protect aquatic life.
The Trishul & Spear: Representing auspiciousness and power, this prompted the promotion of traffic management, awareness, and emergency evacuation routes to reduce chaos during the celebrations.
The Sword: Signifying cosmic intelligence and wisdom, encouraged the avoidance of noise pollution through eco-friendly fireworks and refraining from loudspeakers.
The Axe: Symbolizing fearlessness in the face of consequences, led to an appeal for environmental care through awareness about BIO Toilets, proper garbage control, and reduced carbon footprints.
The Shankh: Symbolizing the inaugural sound of creation, resulted in a call for sustainable lighting, with an emphasis on energy-efficient LED bulbs, diyas, and solar power to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions.
The Gada: Symbolizing loyalty, respect, and compassion, urged a reduction in plastic usage during events, with an emphasis on avoiding plastic bottles, cups, and plates.
The Arrow: Representing kinetic energy, led to a push for safety measures for women and senior citizens, including police patrolling and priority lanes.
The Bow: Symbolizing potential energy, encouraged the use of sustainable materials like clay, bamboo, and jute for eco-friendly idols and pandals that can be easily recycled without harming the environment.
The students passionately concluded their presentation by pledging to celebrate Durga Puja with grandeur and environmental responsibility, extending their warm eco-conscious Durga Puja greetings to the Commissioner and expressing a shared commitment to preserving the world’s beauty for future generations.
Recognizing the vital role that youth play in shaping the nation’s future, the students of SAI International School have embraced the responsibility of safeguarding the environment. Their heartfelt initiative reflects a growing movement among youth to balance tradition and conservation, ensuring that festivals respect the intricate beauty of Mother Nature and her vital role in our lives.
Furthermore, they emphasized that 21st-century learners aspire to become responsible citizens dedicated to building a better, brighter, and more sustainable world. They firmly believe in celebrating festivals with grandeur while also prioritizing environmental conservation and protection.
Shri S.K. Priyadarshi, IPS, Commissioner of Police, BBSR-CTC, Bhubaneswar, commended the students’ ideas and expressed his delight at seeing young students think about a sustainable festive season. He further stated that he would love to implement these innovative ideas in both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, promoting eco-conscious celebrations throughout the region.
Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, expressed, “SAI International School has always nurtured a spirit of environmental consciousness among its students, and the innovative approach taken by our SAIoneers for an eco-friendly Durga Puja celebration reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices. We are proud of our students’ dedication to preserving our cultural heritage while safeguarding our planet’s future, and we remain steadfast in our mission to instill a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship in the younger generation.”
