Eco-Friendly Artistry: Tejaswini Samman Honours Durga Puja Excellence
Rotary Club of Calcutta Avyanna rewards sustainable Durga Puja pandals and creative artists at the 8th Tejaswini Samman awards.
In a vibrant blend of cultural celebration and environmental consciousness, the Rotary Club of Calcutta Avyanna recently hosted the eighth edition of the Tejaswini Samman award ceremony. Held in Kolkata on October 31, the event served as a prestigious platform to honour the creative geniuses behind Durga Puja installations and reward puja committees that prioritised the planet over pomp.
Rewarding Sustainability in Festivities
The Tejaswini Samman is not merely about the visual grandeur of the pandals but focuses heavily on the environmental footprint left behind by the state's biggest festival. This year, the competition saw an impressive turnout with 140 puja pandals participating. After a rigorous evaluation, 40 were shortlisted, and eventually, 16 were selected for the top honours.
The judging process went far beyond the initial appearance of the structures. According to Charter President Srabanee Chakraborty, the assessment was comprehensive, focusing on several critical parameters:
- The use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
- Efficient waste management systems during the festivities.
- The cleanliness of the surrounding areas.
- The methodology used for dismantling the pandals.
- Recycling practices and the restoration of the space post-festival.
The Top Winners
Among the many contenders, Naktala Udayan Sangha emerged as the best puja committee. Other notable recognitions were awarded to FD Block and Dum Dum Tarun Dal, both of whom were praised for their commitment to using environmentally friendly materials and their effective recycling and dismantling processes.
Celebrating the Hands That Create: Srijan Samman
While the puja committees were recognised for their management and sustainability, the Rotary Club ensured that the actual creators—the artists—were not overlooked. Through the Srijan Samman, the initiative honours the artistic excellence and immense hard work of the individuals who spend months bringing complex visions to life.
In a meaningful gesture, Charter President Srabanee Chakraborty noted that while the puja committees receive recognition, the cash prizes are reserved specifically for the artists, acknowledging the grueling labor and creativity they invest in their work.
A Journey of Growth and Purpose
The Tejaswini Samman has evolved from a modest beginning into a widely recognised brand. Today, the award is proudly displayed at several prominent Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal, signaling a shift toward more responsible celebrations.
President Aparna Banerjee described the project as a celebration of womanhood and the victory of good over evil. While she mentioned that this year's celebration was slightly more low-key due to the "Chor Bagan episode," the spirit of the initiative remained steadfast.
"This project, Tejaswini Samman, is very close to our heart because it depicts the power of womanhood. It also says something about the good over evil," said Aparna Banerjee.
By bridging the gap between artistic brilliance and ecological responsibility, the Rotary Club of Calcutta Avyanna continues to inspire organizers and artists to make West Bengal's most iconic cultural event both beautiful and sustainable.