In a significant step towards ensuring an eco-friendly Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, a vehicle carrying 14,500 steel plates (thalis) and cloth bags was dispatched from Udaipur as part of the “One Thali One Thaila” campaign. The campaign, spearheaded by the Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi (PSG), aims to make the upcoming Mahakumbh (January 13 to February 26, 2025) entirely free of polythene and plastic waste.
Campaign Launch and Objective
The “One Thali One Thaila” initiative is a nationwide effort to promote sustainable practices during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. It seeks to replace disposable plastic items with reusable alternatives like steel thalis and cloth bags. With over 40 crore devotees expected to attend the Mahakumbh, the campaign addresses the potential environmental impact of an estimated 40,000 tons of waste.
Dispatch Ceremony in Udaipur
The ceremonial flagging-off of the vehicle took place at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Udaipur. Senior RSS Pracharak Manful Singh performed the honours, marking the occasion with the auspicious symbol of ‘Om.’
Prominent attendees included: Kartikeya Nagar, Prant Saiyojak, PSG, Chittorgarh Prant, Ganpat Lohar, Co-Coordinator, Udaipur Prant, Ashish Acharya, Head, Jal Ayam Team, Udaipur, Yashwant Nagda, Coordinator, Madhav Nagar, Other dignitaries and volunteers from the local community also participated, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the campaign.
Udaipur Mahanagar Saiyojak Manish Meghwal highlighted Udaipur’s extensive support from social, religious, and civic organisations. Notable contributors included: Udaipur Marble Processors Committee, Udaipur Marble Association, Muskan Senior Citizen Club, Green People Society, Tax Advocates Association, Krishna Seva Sansthan.
Aao Mandir Chale
Special contributions also came from women’s groups led by Sunakshi Rajgarhia and Pema Doshi of the central team of the PSG Educational institutions and public representatives like Dr. Anil Mehta, Principal of Vidya Bhawan Polytechnic College, and MLAs Tarachand Jain (Udaipur City) and Phool Singh Meena (Udaipur Rural) lent their active support.
Swayamsevaks from the RSS and senior citizens from neighbourhoods such as Govardhan Vilas, Savina, Vidyanagar, and Kumbha Nagar also played an instrumental role in the campaign’s success.
Vision for a Plastic-Free Mahakumbh
The central team of the PSG envisioned this campaign as a sustainable solution to manage waste during the Mahakumbh. By replacing single-use plastic with reusable steel plates and cloth bags, they aim to set a precedent for eco-consciousness in large-scale religious events.
A Collective Effort
The successful collection and dispatch of 14,500 thalis and bags underline the power of community-driven initiatives. As the Mahakumbh approaches, this effort stands as a testament to the commitment of citizens, organisations, and volunteers toward environmental sustainability.
The campaign not only promotes environmental protection but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility among devotees and local communities, ensuring that the sacred event remains clean and harmonious with nature.
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