One of my all time favorites since childhood is the elephant headed god. Yes I am talking about Ganesha also more popularly referred to as Vinayaka. There is an inherent charm in him. I have a small one on my car's dashboard. I remember as a kid, the first time I was actively involved in collecting funds for setting up the ganesh pandal in our neighbourhood. It was fun.


Many years have passed by since then. Today is the immersion day for the ganesh idols and that makes me think whether immersing idols made of plaster of paris, tons of steel and paint in the water bodies, lakes or seas is the right thing to do. It's an ecological disaster as the plaster of paris pollutes the lake/sea-bed killing the marine life and gradually leads to the destruction of lakes.


I understand the religious fervour and devotion with which people revere Ganesha however they should ask themselves whether they are doing the right thing. I am sure even Ganesha wouldn't approve of it. Instead people can opt for the the clay based ganesha idols which are eco-friendly. I hope when the festival comes around next year, people will warm up to the idea and be sensitive towards our environment.