JAMMU: The Synergetic Green Warriors Foundation (SGWF) celebrated a unique and eco-friendly Green Diwali at St. Joseph's Convent School, Chowki Chora, promoting the significance of a sustainable Diwali through a series of interactive competitions and awareness activities. Under the theme of Green Diwali, the foundation conducted debate, painting, and drawing competitions, inspiring students to reflect on environmental conservation and the benefits of celebrating Diwali in a manner that respects and protects nature.
Makhani Devi, General Secretary of SGWF, conducted the events at Chowki Chora with strong support from Dr. Sonia Verma, Director/CEO of SGWF, and under the direct supervision of Reeta Verma, National President of SGWF. The Green Diwali initiative reflects SGWF’s ongoing commitment to aligning traditional festivals with eco-friendly practices, reinforcing the foundation’s goals of fostering environmental consciousness among youth.
In her address, Dr. Sonia Verma emphasized the importance of celebrating Diwali in an environmentally conscious way. She highlighted that Green Diwali aims to reduce air and noise pollution caused by firecrackers and instead focuses on alternative ways to celebrate, such as lighting earthen lamps, planting trees, and decorating with natural elements. Dr. Verma stated, “A Green Diwali is a celebration of light and purity, symbolizing hope for a healthier planet. By choosing eco-friendly practices, we honor the spirit of Diwali while protecting our environment from harmful pollutants.”
Dr. Verma encouraged students to adopt Green Diwali principles, which not only contribute to environmental conservation but also align with the values of unity and harmony that Diwali represents. She urged students to spread the message within their communities, inspiring families to celebrate in ways that preserve air quality and reduce waste.
Reeta Verma, National President of SGWF, shared her insights on how integrating environmental awareness with cultural festivals can play a significant role in shaping future generations. She said, “Our festivals are part of our cultural identity, and by making them eco-friendly, we take a step forward in preserving our environment and teaching our youth valuable lessons in sustainability. Green Diwali is more than just a celebration; it’s a movement toward sustainable cultural practices.”
Makhani Devi encouraged students to participate in the Green Diwali initiative by opting for natural decorations like flowers and leaves, avoiding single-use plastic items, and reducing electricity consumption. She also presented prizes to winners of the competitions, reinforcing the importance of creative expression in promoting environmental awareness.
Through Green Diwali, SGWF aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional celebrations by encouraging sustainable practices that protect air, soil, and water quality. The initiative extends to local communities and emphasizes that small changes—such as planting trees instead of burning firecrackers—can create a significant positive impact on the environment.
As part of the Adopt a Tree campaign, SGWF distributed fruit-bearing saplings to families, symbolizing growth, prosperity, and environmental stewardship. The foundation continues to expand this initiative across the Union Territory, encouraging families to care for these trees as a gesture of gratitude toward Mother Nature.
The Green Diwali celebration at St. Joseph’s Convent School exemplifies SGWF’s mission to instill eco-conscious values in today’s youth. By connecting cultural heritage with sustainable living, SGWF fosters a deeper respect for nature and inspires communities to take ownership of their environmental impact.
