Image Source: News18
In a heartening display of civic responsibility, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar took center stage not on a film set but on the shores of Mumbai’s Juhu Beach. Just a day after the grand Ganpati Visarjan celebrations concluded, Kumar joined hands with volunteers, officials, and citizens to lead a beach clean-up drive aimed at restoring the coastline from the aftermath of the festivities. The initiative, widely shared across social media, has sparked conversations about environmental accountability and the power of celebrity influence in public welfare.
Here’s a detailed look into the clean-up campaign and the ripple effect it’s creating.
Star Power Meets Civic Duty
• Akshay Kumar was seen actively collecting waste, including flower garlands, plastic bottles, and remnants of plaster of Paris idols, placing them into large disposal bags.
• The clean-up drive was organized on Sunday morning, September 7, just hours after the Ganesh immersion rituals concluded across Mumbai.
• Joining Kumar were Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.
• The initiative was hosted by the Divyaj Foundation, led by Amruta Fadnavis, in collaboration with BMC and other civic groups.
Voices Of Responsibility And Change
Speaking at the event, Akshay Kumar emphasized the importance of public participation in maintaining cleanliness. He echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message from the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, stating that cleanliness is not just the government’s or BMC’s responsibility but a shared duty of every citizen.
Amruta Fadnavis reinforced this sentiment, noting that celebrating festivals is a right, but cleaning up afterward is a responsibility. She urged the youth to take ownership of the planet’s well-being, reminding them that no external force will come to fix what we neglect.
A Family Affair With A Message
Adding a personal touch to the drive, Devendra Fadnavis’ daughter Divija also participated in the clean-up. She expressed disappointment at seeing broken idol fragments and non-biodegradable waste scattered across the beach. Her plea for eco-friendly Ganesh idols resonated with many, as she called for a more respectful and sustainable approach to religious celebrations.
The Aftermath Of Visarjan: Why Clean-Ups Matter
Ganpati Visarjan, while spiritually uplifting, often leaves behind a trail of environmental damage. Beaches across Mumbai, including Juhu, Girgaon, and Dadar, are typically littered with floral offerings, thermocol decorations, and idol fragments. These materials, especially those made from plaster of Paris, pose serious threats to marine life and water quality.
This year’s clean-up drive aimed to not only remove physical waste but also raise awareness about the ecological impact of festival practices. Volunteers from various NGOs, student groups, and local residents joined the effort, turning the beach into a symbol of collective action.
Social Media Applause And Public Sentiment
Videos of Akshay Kumar picking up trash alongside volunteers quickly went viral, earning praise from fans and environmental advocates alike. Many lauded the actor for using his platform to promote civic responsibility, while others called for more celebrities to follow suit.
The campaign also sparked renewed interest in sustainable festival practices, with hashtags like #EcoGanpati and #CleanIndia trending across platforms.
Looking Ahead: A Call For Sustainable Celebrations
The Juhu Beach clean-up is more than a one-day effort—it’s a call to rethink how festivals are celebrated in urban spaces. With growing awareness around climate change and pollution, initiatives like these serve as reminders that tradition and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Akshay Kumar’s involvement has added momentum to the movement, proving that real change begins when public figures lead by example. As Mumbai prepares for future festivals, the hope is that eco-consciousness will become as integral to celebrations as devotion itself.
Sources: MSN News, Mathrubhumi, Times Now, India Today, News18.
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