On August 27, 2024, we organized a Punaravartan session led by Jeevit Nadi facilitator, Mrs. Shubha Kulkarni, to raise awareness among our students about eco-friendly Ganapati celebrations. The session took place in our school auditorium and began with a questionnaire. Mrs. Kulkarni asked the students how they celebrate Ganapati, how they decorate their homes, and what kind of idols they purchase from the market. To her pleasant surprise, many students mentioned using real flowers for decorations and buying shadu (eco-friendly clay) idols. She was very pleased with their responses.

The session continued with a PowerPoint presentation in which Mrs. Kulkarni discussed the different materials used to make idols, such as plaster of Paris, shadu clay, and local clay. She emphasized the environmental impact of non-biodegradable materials, highlighting the long-term effects of idol immersion on rivers and streams.

Mrs. Kulkarni then explained ways to mitigate these issues, such as using permanent idols or opting for symbolic immersion. She also introduced the concept of the four Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. To promote responsible celebrations, she suggested using natural colours and removing all flowers before immersion. Regarding recycling clay idols, she introduced the concept of Punaravartan, which involves dissolving the idol carefully, draining excess water, drying the clay, and storing it in a cloth potli for future use.

The session was both informative and engaging, and the students thoroughly enjoyed it.