New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to citizens to ensure that the Ganesh murti installed in their homes, societies and neighbourhoods during Ganesh Utsav is made from clay sourced in India and crafted by local potters and artisans.
Addressing the nation during the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said there was still sufficient time before Ganesh Utsav, which falls in September this year, and urged both artisans and devotees to make environmentally conscious choices.
“Please make an effort to ensure that the murti of Ganpati Bappa installed in your home, society, or neighbourhood is made from the soil of our own country and crafted by the hands of our own potters and local artisans,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister noted that many people had written to him requesting that he speak about Ganesh Utsav. Responding to those requests, he called upon murti makers to prioritise clay-based creations and urged buyers to verify both the material used and the place of manufacture before making a purchase.
“I also urge those who make Ganesh murtis to prioritise clay murtis, and I ask buyers to check what the murti is made of and which country it was produced in. Do not buy murtis made of Plaster of Paris at all,” he said.
Highlighting the environmental benefits of clay murtis, PM Modi said they dissolve naturally after immersion, reducing pollution in rivers, lakes and ponds.
“Clay murtis dissolve naturally in water after the worship rituals conclude. This helps protect our rivers, ponds and the environment. It allows us to uphold our faith while also fulfilling our responsibility towards nature,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that purchasing murtis from local artisans would also support livelihoods and strengthen the government’s “Vocal for Local” campaign.
“When we purchase murtis from local artisans, we strengthen the resolve of being ‘Vocal for Local’. I am confident that during this Ganesh Utsav—and indeed during every such festival—we will give serious thought to these matters and take steps in the national interest,” he said.
During the programme, PM Modi also highlighted a community-led environmental initiative undertaken by women in Biaora, located in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district.
He praised the women for collecting plastic waste and discarded bottles from across the town and converting them into eco-bricks instead of waiting for government intervention.
“I had the opportunity to learn about some women from Biaora in the Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. They resolved to remove the plastic waste scattered around their area. Instead of contemplating for someone else to bring about change, they took the initiative to collect plastic waste and empty bottles from across the town themselves,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister, the initiative gradually expanded and transformed plastic waste into eco-bricks that are now being used to beautify public spaces.
“Today, these very eco-bricks are being used to beautify public spaces. In Rajgarh, hundreds of kilograms of plastic have been recycled and put to productive use over the past few months. In other words, the plastic that once polluted the city is now contributing to its beauty, thanks to the efforts of these women,” he added.
PM Modi also reiterated the importance of water conservation and called for greater public participation in the ongoing Catch the Rain campaign.
“We must save every single drop of rainwater. We cannot let the momentum of the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign slacken in the slightest. So, I urge you especially: let us come together to save every drop of rain,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s message combined environmental awareness, support for local artisans and sustainable community action, urging citizens to celebrate festivals in a way that protects nature while preserving cultural traditions.
(With inputs from ANI)
