Environmentalists against immersion of Ganesha idols

Mumbai: In a meeting called by Dr. (Mrs.) Shobha Raul, the Mayor of Mumbai in her office with environmentalists for maintaining the balance of environment, the expert suggested alternatives to immersion of Sree Ganesha idols in the forthcoming ‘Maghi Ganesha’ festival. But the concepts presented by the experts were strongly opposed by members of Shiv Sena as their suggestions were against the religious sentiments of Hindus. The meeting was attended by sculptors, Ganesh Festival Coordinating Committee members and people’s representatives, in which, matters like cutting down the height of idols, idols to be sculpted from clay etc. were discussed. Dr. Shyam Asolekar, Professor and Head of the Department of Indian Institute of Technology’s Science and Engineering Division suggested immersion of idols in artificial water tanks to prevent water pollution. (After immersion in such artificial water tanks, the idols are found in a very disgraceful condition. Even then such alternatives are suggested by these anti-Hindus. Hindus should not forget such heretics – Editor) He said that some of the companies are ready to re-use that water after immersion by carrying out certain chemical process and to manufacture tiles from the soil collected from idols. (Giving such suggestions is like advising to use dead body of human beings as manure instead of cremation of the body – Editor). He suggested another alternative that idols can be crushed in grinding machines and tiles can be prepared even with such powder. (Hindus should be ashamed of themselves if their blood does not boil after reading this – Editor). He further said that the idols can be immersed once in every 5-7 years; (On what basis Dr. Asolekar did give such advice? Acquiring knowledge in one subject does not entail a person to give his advice on such a profound subject like Dharma – Editor); he said that he followed the same practice. (As per science, the idol consecrated on Ganesh Chaturthi should be immersed after performing puja. Ganesh devotees should take such anti-Hindus to task for giving advice against Dharma – Editor).
        
On hearing such alternatives from the environmentalist, Shri. Dattaram Gujar of Shiv Sena asked him that why the issue is created only in case of Hindu festivals. On the other hand, all through out the year, effluents, chemicals etc. are thrown in sea-water and nobody is bothered then why the issue is taken up only during immersion of Sree Ganesha idols. Such alternatives will hurt religious sentiments of Hindus and therefore, are not acceptable to us. Shri. Vinod Ghosalkar, another leader of Shiv Sena also opposed the expert. He said, “Due to immersion of idols, there is not even 2 % of pollution. Why don’t you stop 98% of pollution that goes on through out the year?  Shri. Vijay Khatu, a sculptor said that it is our tradition to immerse Sree Ganesha idols. Earlier, pollution was never a problem; then why has it become so now? Shri. Pandurang Jadhav, the city-president of Ganesha festival committees said that the suggestions regarding immersion were not acceptable and besides environment, religious matters should also be taken into account. He agreed, in principle, for reduction in height of idols. Dr. (Mrs.) Raul said that conservation of environment is equally important as faith. There should not be competition among Ganesha Committees on height of the idol. Such competitions can not be a matter of faith and Dharmagurus should advise Ganesha-devotees in such matters. (Dharmagururs are always engaged in ‘Dharma-karya’. But why the Government does not strictly implement the rules when all the machinery is available with them and make efforts to stop ‘Dharma-haani’- Editor).

A representation explaining details of science about the height of the idols, benefits of idol made up from clay etc. was submitted to the mayor on behalf of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti. Shri. Maruti More, reporter of Sanatan Prabhat requested that as Sanatan Sanstha has carried out research on the said topic, the Sanstha should be allowed to express its views. The Mayor assured that in the next meeting, the Sanstha would be given a chance to express its views.

Source: ‘Daily Sanatan Prabhat’

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