- Representation submitted to Mayor Mukta Tilak
- Mayor promises to encourage use of clay idols; but firm on use of unscientific mediums like artificial water tanks and ammonium bicarbonate for immersion
Pune : Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has been undertaking ideal Ganeshotsav drive for many years with the aim of eliminating malpractices taking place in celebration of this festival and for celebration of the festival as per science. For seeking cooperation of administration of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), use of artificial water tanks and ammonium bicarbonate for immersion should be done away with and immersion in flowing water should be encouraged was the appeal made by HJS delegation on 5th August during meeting with Mayor Mukta Tilak. Shri. Parag Gokhale, Shri. Chaitanya Tagade, Dr. Jyoti Kale of HJS were present; along with ‘Samartha-devotee’ ‘Pujya’ Sunil Chincholkar. Mayor said that PMC would encourage installation of clay idols; however, she justified use of unscientific methods of immersion like artificial water tanks and ammonium bi-carbonate. (Ganesh-devotees expect that PMC administration would not fall prey to so-called environmentalists’ propaganda of unscientific things and would take decisions after following ‘Dharma-shaastra’ and science. – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat)
‘Samartha-devotee’ ‘Pujya’ Chincholkar drew attention of Mayor to desecration of Shri Ganesh idols when they are taken out from artificial water tanks; carried in trucks and later immersed. Sou. Mukta Tilak then promised to see that idols immersed in artificial water tanks were not desecrated.
Shri Ganesh idols made of clay increase alluvium in river ?
Despite explaining drawbacks of artificial water tank, Mayor Tilak was firm on her stand. In fact, she said that even idols made of clay should be immersed in such water tanks, based on the logic that immersion of idols increased alluvium in rivers. (No pollution is caused due to use of natural things. At least in Shri Ganeshotsav, it is hoped that attempts would not be made to form an opinion at Government and administrative levels, based on illogical things. Otherwise, millions of litres of sewage water and water with chemicals is mixed with river water by factories but nothing is said about it. Ganesh-devotees need not get influenced by the hue and cry made about water pollution only during Ganesh festival ! – Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat) HJS will, however, be extensively undertaking drive to create awareness amongst people towards celebration of Ganeshotsav and immersion as per ‘Dharma-shaastra’; taking help of Ganesh-devotees.
Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat
