Serader Sera Nirmal Pujo Puroskar continues to be unique since its inception in 2007. The green Puja award has played a key role in introducing to Durga Puja in Kolkata an environmental dimension and advocating social responsibility for Puja organisers.
The award, in its eighteenth year, was constituted and is run by the non-profit Environment Governed Integrated Organisation (EnGIO) and is supported by a host of governmental, corporate and green organisations, including the Department of Disaster Management in the Government of West Bengal, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA), Vikram Solar, Exide and Indian Oil. The Plurals is the media partner of the event that had 75 participants, after a shortlisting from around 300 applicant Puja committees. The shortlisted Pujas were split into seven zones.
Judgment criteria
The awards are judged by eminent environment experts, academics, consular members and government officials. “We have added youth observers this year as part of the judging process as they are extremely crucial in our effort to seek sustainability in the moment of the climate crisis,” an organiser said.
The Pujas are judged on the basis of a range of parameters, including themes and their execution; use of eco-friendly materials in pandal construction; energy conservation; use of non-toxic paint in idol making; maintenance of noise, safety and disaster management norms and contribution to society.
Themes
The jury members for the Tala, Ultadanga and Wellington zone were environment experts Sasanka Dev and Sudipto Bhattacharya, who were accompanied with Shibsankar Halder, EnGIO official.
Tala Polli tried to depict radioactivity and nuclear power plants, with models of meter boxes and other objects, but lacked clarity when it came to connecting traditional energy sources with nuclear energy. The theme of Gouriberia was soil as the source and sustainer of life; the pandal was constructed with nearly 60,000 terracotta bricks (pora mati).
Though the theme of Ultodanga Songrami attempted to portray “gach ar narir tan” (the bond between trees and motherhood), drawing inspiration from Ramkinkar Baij, the execution fell short of the promise. Ultodanga Das Para Sarbojonin did not have a very clear or concept.
Arabindu Setu Sarbojanin addressed food wastage under the title “Noy Opochoy”. The Durga image was presented in her Annapurna manifestation, symbolising nourishment and abundance. Dakhindari Youth Club centred on the powerful subject of acid attack survivors, with the image and pandal design built around the metaphor of the Phoenix rising from the ashes, representing resilience, rebirth and the triumph of spirit over death. The theme of Duttabagan Durgotsav Committee was not very clear.
Though the theme of Purbo Kolkata Sarbojonin focused on the Adi Ganga, highlighting its pollution and the urgent need for its revival and conservation, the presentation lacked clarity and proper delivery, making the overall impact somewhat diffuse.
The topper
Tala Prattoy, the winner, focused on the use of pesticides and chemical inputs contributed to increased yield. It also spoke about alarming phenomena of bio-magnification, environmental imbalance and long-term threats to human health. A unique highlight was the collection of 208 traditional paddy samples, preserved as a reminder of our agricultural heritage. These native varieties are not only symbols of biodiversity but also hold immense potential for climate resilience and sustainable farming practices.
Displays of insecticides and pesticides — both natural and synthetic — shed light on the wide spectrum of substances used in crop protection. They ranged from organic extracts like orange, strawberry and honey to chemical agents such as detergents, DDT, and artificial blue. The installations provided a fascinating and insightful story of agriculture’s past, present and future. It highlighted the urgent need to combine scientific innovation with sustainable practices.