Eco-Friendly Rangoli Competition: A Message of Sustainability and Reverence

Department: Health & Nutrition Club, Faculty
of Life Sciences

Year/Semester: UG, PG students & Faculty
members

Activity: Health and Nutrition Club Activity – 2

Date and Duration: 14/09/2024 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM)

Title: “Eco-Friendly Rangoli Competition: A Message of Sustainability and Reverence”

Resource person/agency and affiliation:
Faculty of Life Sciences, Mandsaur University

1. Mr. Yogendra Kumar Verma. Mr. Dayashankar Singh. (Agriculture)
2. Mr. Abhishek Singh Rajawat. Dr. Himanshu Saxena. (B.P.Ed)
3. Mr. Ankit Rai. Dr. Surendra Singh Agariya. (B.P.Ed)
4. Ms. Sonam Verma Ms. Samiksha Chauhan (Forensic Science)
5. Ms. Mansi Prajapati. Ms. Shilpa Kaushik (Forensic Science)
6. Dr. Shailja Sharma
7. Dr. Himani Chandel
8. Dr. Gaurav Saxena.
9. Mr. Pravin Gade
10. Ms. Rutuja Sonkar

External Faculty, Mandsaur University

Mr. Dayashankar Singh. (Agriculture)

Dr. Himanshu Saxena. (B.P.Ed)

Dr. Surendra Singh Agariya. (B.P.Ed)

Ms. Samiksha Chauhan (Forensic Science)

Ms. Shilpa Kaushik (Forensic Science)

Brief description/ Remarks:
Health and Nutrition club of Faculty of Life Sciences students had organized a “Eco-Friendly
Rangoli Competition: A Message of Sustainability and Reverence” for the UG & PG students
and faculty members of Mandsaur University on 14.09.2024 between 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
This competition is a step towards raising awareness about the need to shift to eco-friendly
Ganesha idols made from clay, natural dyes, and biodegradable materials. By creating beautiful
rangolis using natural colors, vegetables, flowers, cereals, etc, and spreading the message of
sustainability, we aim to inspire people to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with devotion while also
caring for the Earth. In today’s world, we are witnessing a rise in the use of Ganesha idols made from harmful materials
like Plaster of Paris (POP) and chemical-based paints. While these idols hold spiritual significance,
they have a detrimental impact on our environment, and some people decline in the traditional and
respectful immersion of Lord Ganesha idols during the immersion process. POP idols do not
dissolve in water, leading to pollution in our rivers and lakes, harming aquatic life, and
contaminating our water resources.
The program began with a warm welcome address by Mr. Yogendra Kumar Verma Assistant
Professor and Acting Head, Faculty of Life Sciences and In-charge of Health & Nutrition club,
who highlighted the significance of celebrating festivals in harmony with nature. He emphasized
the importance of eco-friendly practices during festive seasons, particularly focusing on the
harmful impacts of POP idols and the need to transition towards more sustainable options.
The evaluating panel consisted of External Faculty of Forensic Science and B.P.Ed, who evaluated
the rangolis based on creativity, adherence to the eco-friendly theme, and overall presentation. The
judges were impressed by the unique designs that reflected both artistic brilliance and
environmental awareness
A total of 43 students and faculty members participated in the event, in which The competition
allowed students to express their creativity while simultaneously sending a powerful message
about environmental preservation. The integration of art and sustainability helped participants
better understand the role that individual actions play in protecting the environment.
The event was smoothly coordinated by Mr. Abhishek Singh Rajawat Assistant Professor, Faculty
of Life Sciences and Coordinator of Health & Nutrition club and Dr. Shailja Sharma Assistant
Professor, Faculty of Life Sciences, who ensured that participants had a platform to showcase their
artistic talents while staying aligned with the theme of sustainability. The vibrant rangolis created
by the participants captured the essence of eco-friendliness, using natural and biodegradable
materials such as organic colors, flowers, leaves and cereals.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Mr. Ankit Rai, Assistant Professor,
Faculty of Life Sciences, who expressed appreciation to all those who expressed gratitude to all
the participants, organizers, and judges for their contributions in making the event a success. He
also reiterated the importance of continuing to spread the message of sustainability in our
celebrations

Outcome:
 Increased Awareness of Environmental Issues: The competition successfully raised
awareness about the harmful effects of chemical-based and POP (Plaster of Paris) Ganesha
idols on water bodies and the environment. Participants and attendees became more
conscious of the need to adopt eco-friendly alternatives during festivals.
 Promotion of Sustainable Practices: By encouraging participants to create rangolis using
natural and biodegradable materials, the event promoted the use of eco-friendly resources,
reinforcing the message of sustainability.
 Creativity with a Cause: The competition allowed students to express their creativity
while simultaneously sending a powerful message about environmental preservation. The
integration of art and sustainability helped participants better understand the role that
individual actions play in protecting the environment.
 Strengthened Commitment to Eco-Friendly Celebrations: The participants and
audience were inspired to adopt more eco-friendly practices in their personal lives,
particularly in their celebrations of festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. The event reinforced
the importance of making sustainable choices in daily activities and festivals alike.
 Overall, the program successfully achieved its goals of raising environmental awareness,
fostering creativity with an eco-friendly message, and encouraging sustainable practices
among the participants and wider community.