In an attempt to create awareness among students, their parents and the public about the harmful effect of chemical colours on Ganesh idols, the students of Nagpur Municipal Corporation-run Surendragarh Hindi High School, decided to make 'green' idols this time. The idea is to bring it to the knowledge of children about things which are bio-degradable and to inform common people about simple ways of making eco-friendly idols ahead of the Ganesh festival.
Around 50 students of standard VIII and IX made Ganesh idols from clay. "Instead of using colours to decorate the idols, they used rice grains, pulses, fruits, vegetables and leaves," said Minakshi Khandekar, in-charge headmistress.
Stressing on the eco-friendly nature of idols, standard IX students Rani Sarmake and Kiran Gaur, said, "We love making clay idols. They are bio-degradable, don't harm nature. We began our preparation 15 days ago."
"Students have been spreading the 'Save Earth' message by making idols from clay and food grains since for the last three years," said Deepti Bisht, the science and environment teacher.
The students expressed concern over use of idols made Plaster of Paris.
"If the Plaster of Paris idols or those painted with synthetic paints are immersed in water bodies, the salinity of surface water increases which results in skin diseases," they pointed out.
"Through our students' works we appeal to Nagpurians to celebrate Ganesh Puja with idols made of raw clay (not baked) and which do not have any chemicals, as they can be immersed safely in lakes and ponds," said Bisht.
Another interesting fact is that the students who keep the idols for three days never immerse the idol any lake or river. "In fact, they keep it in open places like terrace, gardens for birds to eat the grains. Later, they immerse the idols in bucket full of water and once the clay dissolves they use the water for gardening," claimed Bisht.
The school also spreads awareness about ill effects of 'nirmalya' if thrown in water bodies. Bisht said that every year students visit Telangkhedi lake and appeal to devotees not to throw puja materials like flower into the lake.
"Initially, the students had to face devotees' anger, but today many have started following the instructions," said in-charge headmistress.
Around 50 students of standard VIII and IX made Ganesh idols from clay. "Instead of using colours to decorate the idols, they used rice grains, pulses, fruits, vegetables and leaves," said Minakshi Khandekar, in-charge headmistress.
Stressing on the eco-friendly nature of idols, standard IX students Rani Sarmake and Kiran Gaur, said, "We love making clay idols. They are bio-degradable, don't harm nature. We began our preparation 15 days ago."
"Students have been spreading the 'Save Earth' message by making idols from clay and food grains since for the last three years," said Deepti Bisht, the science and environment teacher.
The students expressed concern over use of idols made Plaster of Paris.
"If the Plaster of Paris idols or those painted with synthetic paints are immersed in water bodies, the salinity of surface water increases which results in skin diseases," they pointed out.
"Through our students' works we appeal to Nagpurians to celebrate Ganesh Puja with idols made of raw clay (not baked) and which do not have any chemicals, as they can be immersed safely in lakes and ponds," said Bisht.
Another interesting fact is that the students who keep the idols for three days never immerse the idol any lake or river. "In fact, they keep it in open places like terrace, gardens for birds to eat the grains. Later, they immerse the idols in bucket full of water and once the clay dissolves they use the water for gardening," claimed Bisht.
The school also spreads awareness about ill effects of 'nirmalya' if thrown in water bodies. Bisht said that every year students visit Telangkhedi lake and appeal to devotees not to throw puja materials like flower into the lake.
"Initially, the students had to face devotees' anger, but today many have started following the instructions," said in-charge headmistress.
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