Despite nursing an internal painful rib-injury Bollywood tough-hero superstar Salman Khan not only shared a stern yet friendly message on stage but also sang a few lines of 'Aate Milte Jo Milte' on stage. Later complying with enthralled audience farmaaish, he even gracefully danced with his hook-steps-gestures to his evergreen hit rhythmic song (‘Wanted’ movie) “Yahaan bhi hoga, wahaan bhi hoga—ab toh saare jahaan mein hoga—Mera hee Jalwaa’ On this occasion he urged yesterday late afternoon in a strong social message that people should celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in an eco-friendly manner to prevent environmental pollution Also he said that after visarjan ( immersion) the sight of scattered parts of immersed idols floating in the sea –water was definitely not something nice. Devotees must try to immerse the Ganesha idols at home, he advised. Basically, I also want to send across this message “ don’t throw garbage (kachraa) and won't let others throw garbage," said Salman Khan who in keeping his prior commitment to the event, addressed the large invited audience at the magnificent Dome SVP Stadium (Worli) which also included a very large gathering of Municipal School young students, cheering and applauding from the elevated stadium stands.
Interestingly Salman's next upcoming thriller movie is titled 'Sikandar' ( opposite "national crush" Rashmika Mandanna ) releasing on Eidd 2025 and directed by A R Murugadoss ! ( Jo tikktaa wohi Sikander ! )
The social and charity activist and macho movie-mega-star Salman joined hands with yet another social crusader charismatic Amruta Fadnavis ( wife of State Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis ) and her popular Divyaj Foundation along with the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai, Mumbai Police, and Chaattra Sansad for the initiative "Bacche Bole Morya" to advocate the need of purity, cleanliness, and eco-friendly Ganeshotsav this years’s season starting next weekend . ...
The event was also attended by Salman's sister Alvira Khan-Agnihotri, actress Sonali Bendra-Behl, star- singers Sonu Nigam Kailash Kher, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. and Hon’ble Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phalsankar who also emphasized the essential need for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness ( "Everyone should resolve --'I will not throw garbage and will also not allow others to throw garbage' ! )
During the grand spectacular cultural and musical program, eco-friendly Ganesha idols, created from natural and biodegradable materials, crafted and sculpted by talented, young BMC School students across Mumbai, were unveiled.
Addressing the BMC School students, Salman reiterated the message of using eco-friendly Ganesha-idols "It's not just good. It's much better if everyone uses eco-friendly Ganesha idols. "It is time we teach adults lessons in being earth-friendly. Let us use terracotta or other eco-friendly materials to create our Ganesha idol this year," he shared from the stage to thunderous applause. There are people who behave well and disciplined in other foreign countries like USA, Switzerland, Dubai but throw garbage here in our own country. Children can possibly also teach elders in their own family, to keep up with the cleanliness drive-mission and movement,” advised the ‘ Dabangg’ screen super-cop Salman
The "Bacche Bole Morya" event, organized by the Divyaj Foundation in collaboration with Chhatra Sansad India and supported by the BMC and Mumbai Police, was not just a celebration of Lord Ganesha; it was a movement toward a sustainable future. The initiative signified a major shift in how Mumbai’s beloved Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated—focusing on environmental conservation and community involvement.
Dynamic Amruta ( Devendra) Fadnavis, the creative brain behind Divyaj Foundation and the Bacche Bole Morya event, was elated as the cheerful children imbibed yet another earth-friendly advice from Salman Khan. Her enthusiasm reflected the success of the initiative in inspiring the younger generation to adopt sustainable practices.
Sacred Ganesh Chaturthi festival deeply rooted in religious and cultural tradition, often posed environmental challenges due to the immersion of non-biodegradable idols. Recognizing this issue, the Divyaj Foundation’s "Bacche Bole Morya" initiative aimed to educate the younger generation about the importance of eco-friendly practices, beginning with the creation of sustainable Ganesh idols. This initiative demonstrated that meaningful change begins with children, who are the torchbearers of a better tomorrow.
During the event, students from BMC schools across Mumbai showcased eco-friendly idols they had crafted from natural, biodegradable materials. These creations symbolized the children's role in environmental protection and emphasized the importance of fostering creativity, cultural pride, and environmental responsibility among the youth. Both Salman Khan and Sonali Bendre bought their favourite small-size eco-friendly Ganesh idols from the display-exhibition
The event was a vibrant celebration that included cultural and patriotic performances by the young participants. The evening’s highlight was surprise vocal performances by renowned singers Sonu Nigam and Kailash Kher, who entertained with their voices to celebrate and encourage the children’s efforts in contributing to a greener planet.
Amruta Fadnavis, an eminent banker, singer, and social activist while highly appreciating Salman Khan’s sense of commitment despite his rib-jury, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in shaping a sustainable future. She stated, "By starting with our children, we have planted the seeds of awareness and responsibility that will grow into a deep-rooted respect for Mother Earth. It’s about teaching them that every small action counts, and that through mindful choices, we can protect our planet."
The "Bacche Bole Morya" initiative was not just about crafting eco-friendly idols; it redefined the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi to ensure that traditions did not come at the expense of the environment. Through strategic partnerships, comprehensive campaigns, and robust community involvement, the initiative aimed to set a new standard for eco-friendly celebrations in Mumbai and beyond.
Supported by the BMC, Mumbai Police, and active participation from various community segments—including schools, government bodies, and celebrities—the initiative highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership in driving collective change. The goal was clear: to promote sustainability, foster community engagement, and create a world sustainable for future generations.
In continuation to Bacche Bole Morya and #Mi Kachra Karnar Nahi ( I will not throw garbage) massive social-campaign launch, Amruta Fadnavis and Divyaj Foundation has also called upon people for a beach clean-up initiative at Versova Beach post-Ganpati Visarjan that is on coming Wednesday, 18th September, 2024. Looks like this Ganesh Chaturthi is Ecofriendly in more ways than one, thanks to philanthropist and social Samaritan madame Amruta Fadnavis.
Read also: