Photo – Pandit Tanmoy Bose, Indian Percussionist,Maestro Bickram Ghosh, Acclaimed Indian Classical Tabla Player, Percussionist & Composer, Ms Rita Bhimani, Veteran Communication professional, Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group and Ms Pauline Laravoire, Founder, The Rebalance Institute at the unveiling of 7Ft. Eco-Friendly Maa Durga Idol Crafted From Transforming Discarded And Unused Materials by the students of Techno India Group’s schools, colleges and university
Kolkata, 9th October, 2026: In a unique celebration of tradition, creativity and environmental responsibility, Techno India Group unveiled its eco-friendly Maa Durga idol at the Techno India Main Campus, Salt Lake. The idol measures a total of 7 feet from top to bottom and has been conceptualised and created around the theme “Sustainable Shakti.”
The idol has been created by the Art Teachers of Techno India Group Public Schools (TIGPS), Garia, Mankundu and Ariadaha, with enthusiastic support and active participation from students across Techno India Group’s schools, colleges and university. The initiative reflects the Group’s continued endeavour to encourage young minds to explore sustainable approaches to traditional celebrations while nurturing creativity, cultural awareness and environmental consciousness. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by an energetic dhaak jamming session by the students of Techno India University and dhaakis The celebrations continued with a soulful musical performance by maestros Bickram Ghosh and Pandit Tanmoy Bose, after which the idol was formally unveiled. The event concluded on a festive note with an engaging dhunuchi naach performance.
The grand unveiling was marked by the presence of Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group along with Mr Meghdut Roy Chowdhury, Founder, Make Calcutta Relevant Again & Chief Innovation Officer, Techno India Group & Ms Pauline Laravoire, Founder, The Rebalance Institute along with Maestro Bickram Ghosh, Acclaimed Indian Classical Tabla Player, Percussionist & Composer, Pandit Tanmoy Bose, Indian Percussionist and Mr Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti,IPS (Retd.), Senior Vice President, Reliance Industries Ltd. and Ms Rita Bhimani, Veteran Communication professional.
This year’s idol has been meticulously crafted using rusted iron pipes, discarded machinery parts, old metal components, traditional brass puja utensils such as plates, glasses, kosha-kushi and panchapradip, along with iron chains and other reused materials. By transforming discarded and unused materials into a representation of Maa Durga, the initiative demonstrates how responsible reuse can be integrated into artistic expression and festive traditions.
The idol took approximately 45 days to complete, with the Art Teachers and students working collaboratively to bring the concept to life. The process involved careful planning, designing, assembling and artistic detailing, with students gaining hands-on exposure to sustainable art practices and the creative possibilities of repurposing materials.
The project also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, promoting the mindful use and reuse of materials and encouraging sustainable choices in the way festivals and cultural celebrations are conducted.
“The Sustainable Shakti initiative reflects our belief that the essence of tradition lies not only in preserving what we have inherited, but also in evolving it responsibly for the future. This year’s Maa Durga idol, created from discarded machinery, rusted iron, old metal components and traditional puja utensils, is a powerful example of how creativity can transform what is considered waste into something meaningful and
beautiful.What makes this initiative particularly special is the collective effort of our Art Teachers and students from across Techno India Group. Through this experience, our students are learning that sustainability is not merely a concept but a responsibility that can be woven into everyday choices, including the way we celebrate our festivals. ‘Sustainable Shakti’ is our humble endeavour to inspire a more conscious and responsible approach to tradition, creativity and consumption,” said Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group.
Through “Sustainable Shakti,” Techno India Group aims to demonstrate that devotion, creativity and care for the planet can come together meaningfully. The initiative encourages students to look beyond conventional materials and discover innovative ways of reusing existing resources, while reinforcing the importance of responsible consumption.
The project further reflects Techno India Group’s commitment to experiential learning, where students are encouraged to engage with ideas of sustainability through practical and creative experiences. By involving students from schools, colleges and the university, the initiative brings together different age groups and educational communities around a shared vision of celebrating culture while remaining mindful of the environment.