As the Festival of Lights approaches, President Droupadi Murmu has delivered a powerful message urging all citizens to celebrate Diwali with heightened awareness, responsibility, and environmental consciousness. In her heartfelt appeal, she emphasized transforming our celebrations into a force for good—both for our communities and our planet.
Illuminating Hearts, Not Harming Nature
President Murmu passionately called for a shift toward eco-friendly celebrations, highlighting that true Diwali spirit lies in spreading joy without compromising environmental health. "Our festivities should illuminate our surroundings with happiness, not pollute them with harmful emissions," she remarked, encouraging the use of sustainable decorations and traditional oil lamps over electric lights where possible.
Safety First: Protecting What Matters Most
The President placed significant emphasis on safety measures during celebrations. She specifically addressed:
- Firecracker Caution: Advocating for minimal or no use of fireworks, especially those contributing to air and noise pollution
- Community Well-being: Being mindful of elderly citizens, children, and animals who may be distressed by loud celebrations
- Emergency Preparedness: Keeping first aid kits accessible and being vigilant about fire safety protocols
The True Essence of Diwali
Beyond the external celebrations, President Murmu reminded citizens of Diwali's core values—goodness triumphing over evil and light overcoming darkness. She suggested meaningful ways to celebrate:
- Community Bonding: Strengthening relationships with neighbors and community members
- Charitable Acts: Sharing festivities with underprivileged communities
- Cultural Preservation: Embracing traditional rituals and passing them to younger generations
- Mindful Consumption: Avoiding wasteful spending and excessive consumerism
A Collective Responsibility
The President framed eco-friendly celebrations as a shared responsibility toward future generations. "When we choose sustainable ways to celebrate, we're not just protecting our immediate environment—we're preserving our cultural heritage for our children and grandchildren," she stated.
Her message concludes with a hopeful vision: a Diwali where every lamp lit symbolizes not just personal joy, but collective responsibility and environmental stewardship—creating a festival that's truly bright in every sense of the word.
