Vasai Virar :- In a bid to instill the values of eco-friendliness and environmental conservation among the youth, Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation organized the ‘Eco Ganesha 2023’ debate and slogan competition. The event, held at New Viva College in Virar West, saw enthusiastic participation from students across schools and colleges in the region.
The centerpiece of this initiative was a spirited debate competition, where 61 students, divided into 21 teams, deliberated on the topic of whether Ganesh idols should be immersed in artificial or natural lakes. Annasaheb Vartak College clinched the top spot in the college group, thanks to the persuasive arguments of Mrs. Kripa Thakur and Ms. Swara Sawant. Sant Gonzalo Garcia College of Vasai secured the second position, while the team from Saint Joseph’s College, comprising Astha Meshram and Avinash Rajbhar, took home the third prize.
In recognition of their motivational prowess, several students received awards. Saint Joseph College’s Tawaris Krislin and Tawaris Kristel, Utkarsh College’s Rajkumari Waghmare and Manali Sonawale, and a team from Utkarsh Mahavidyal, including Roshni Borge, Rupali Birwadkar, Arpita Agri, Jadhav, Tanisha Pukale, and Tanvi Mhapankar, were among those honored.
The school group debate competition saw Kailas Krishna Moru Patil Deshmukh Vidyalaya’s Saili Dingankar and Kunal Bhosle securing the first prize, while N. P. Shah English Medium High School’s Siddiqui Chaus and Sakshi Kanchan and Prerna Ghongde and Sakshi Rajbhar claimed the second and third positions, respectively. Narasimha Govind Vartak English Medium High School’s Janvi Avlegaonkar, Kshitija Patil, Kartiki Vavre, and Roshni Parab received an incentive award for their commendable efforts.
The slogan competition, which took place at the school level, witnessed 171 imaginative and creative entries from 57 schools. Kailas Krishna Moru Patil Deshmukh Vidyalaya’s Ayushi Salvi secured the first place, while New English School’s Tanav Nerurkar and Kailas Krishna Moru Patil Deshmukh Vidyalaya’s Harshada Gohil earned the second and third prizes, respectively. Additionally, Sheikh Zaveria and Karan Pandurang from Yash Kirti High School, as well as Vivek Sahani from Royal English School, received motivational awards for their participation.
The prize distribution ceremony, held at New Viva College’s auditorium, was graced by the presence of the first woman mayor, Praveena Thakur, renowned poet Literary Simon Martin, and Additional Commissioner Ramesh Manale. First Lady Mayor Praveena Thakur commended the students’ creativity and their dedication to celebrating an eco-friendly festival, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation.
Nanasaheb Kamthe, Municipal Deputy Commissioner, introduced the concept behind the competition, while In-charge Assistant Commissioner Vishwanath Talekar delivered an introduction and vote of thanks. Prof. Pankaj Chavan moderated the event, with examiners Prof. Francis DiMello and Prof. Pradip Patil overseeing the proceedings.
The winning slogans will soon be featured on the social media platforms of the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation, spreading the message of eco-friendliness and environmental responsibility even further.
This competition not only fostered environmental awareness but also showcased the remarkable talents of the region’s youth. It is hoped that these young participants will continue to champion environmental conservation in the future, making Vasai Virar a greener and more sustainable place for generations to come.
