The Universal Foundation transforms the garbas, symbols of maternal worship, into ‘Pankhi ka Ashro’.
In an effort to maintain cleanliness and conserve the environment, the Universal Foundation in Surat has launched a commendable initiative named ‘Ashro.’ Following the Navratri festivities, where garbas symbolize devotion to the goddess, the foundation has taken the innovative step of converting these garbas into bird shelters, thus giving them a new purpose.
To ensure that the garbas are preserved and cleanliness is maintained post-Navratri, the foundation has gathered these traditional garbas and tied them to nearby trees using sturdy ropes, transforming them into habitats for birds.
Prakash Kumar Vekariya, the founder of Universal Foundation, has initiated this campaign in collaboration with Surat Municipal Corporation, Motavaracha Zone B. He is also raising awareness among the public through inspiring videos.
Vekariya has urged people to tie the garbas to nearby trees and continue worshipping the goddess throughout the year. He pointed out that the immersion of idols during Ganesh Chaturthi, waste generated during Shradh, and offerings thrown into the Tapi River throughout the year contribute to pollution in the river and city. Maintaining cleanliness should be our duty.
The Universal Foundation works towards public welfare without hurting religious sentiments. Their initiatives include the World Conch Sound Campaign, COVID-19 vaccination drives, life-saving activities, disaster and self-defense training, cleanliness campaigns, river purification, and now the ‘Ashro’ initiative, which serves both nature and cleanliness by providing shelters for voiceless birds.
