It's time for damage control: Sonakshi Sinha

My earliest memories of Ganesha puja is when I was in school. I remember my family would keep Ganpati at home. We did it for 11 years and it was something that we as a family always looked forward to. Nowadays I celebrate by going for darshans to all my friends' houses.

I believe in eco-Ganesha where idols are made of environment-friendly materials instead of plaster of Paris. Once all the visarjans are done, it's devastating to see the state of all the beaches the next day. Isn't an idol which would dissolve easily in the water and not litter the beaches a better option?

There are many ways with which we can celebrate and preserve the environment as well. First, there are immersions that can be done at home; in a tub. Then there are always idols made of clay or mud which dissolve in the sea easily.

It is extremely important in today's times to preserve the environment. What we do today will secure a better future for the coming generations. Enough damage has been done to the environment over the years, what we do now is basically damage control. In our own ways we can all help to preserve the environment. Small measures go a big way. Switching off the lights before leaving a room saves energy, shutting the tap while brushing saves water, saving paper, not littering, recycling things is the least each one of us can do on an individual level.

DNA has been celebrating eco-Ganesha for the last few years. I think it's a great initiative. It also encourages others to follow and I think that's the best way to celebrate this wonderful festival: The eco-friendly way!

—As told to Upala KBR