In an inspiring step towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility, Shree Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan, under the able guidance of Maharashtra Bhushan Padma Shri Dr Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and Dr Sachin Dada Dharmadhikari, carried out a large-scale “Nirmalya Collection and Vermicompost Creation” drive during Ganeshotsav 2025.
The initiative was conducted on key immersion days—One and a Half Day Ganpati, Gauri-Ganpati, and Anant Chaturdashi—across 23+ Ganesh idol immersion sites in urban areas like Dombivli (East & West), Thakurli, and semi-rural zones including Khoni, Waklan, Daighar, Khidkali, and Dahisar.
Over 2,000 dedicated `Shree Members` of the Pratishthan actively participated in this noble campaign. In addition to handling nirmalya (offerings), members also served as `Police Mitras` (Friends of Police) to help manage crowds and support local law enforcement during the immersion process.
From devotion to conservation
As thousands of devotees arrived to immerse their beloved Ganesh idols, Pratishthan volunteers systematically collected the nirmalya, which includes used flowers, garlands, leaves, and other organic offerings. These offerings were carefully sorted—with plastic, synthetic threads, paper, and other non-biodegradable materials removed—and the flower petals preserved for composting.
Total nirmalya collected:
Over 12.5 tonnes
Flower Petals Separated for Composting: Over 3.5 tonnes
These flower petals were then transported to Umbarli, where they were processed into high-quality vermicompost. This eco-friendly fertiliser is later used for nurturing the thousands of trees planted by the Pratishthan.
Impact at a glance:
6,500+ trees planted across Dombivli and Thakurli
5+ tonnes of vermicompost produced so far
2,000+ volunteers engaged in community and environmental service
Beyond borders:
The environmental and humanitarian vision of the Pratishthan is not limited to India. It has extended its initiatives globally to countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Norway, Dubai, and Qatar.
Overseas branches have successfully conducted cleanliness drives along with tree plantation campaigns, blood and plasma donation camps, cancer awareness programmes, community well-being initiatives and social upliftment.
Apart from eco-initiatives, the Pratishthan, guided by Dr Appasaheb and Dr Sachin Dada Dharmadhikari, is engaged in several social reform and welfare activities through spiritual gatherings and community action. These include — Superstition eradication through rational discourse, child development and value education programmes, rainwater harvesting and lake/well cleaning, rural health and hygiene camps, employment and entrepreneurship guidance and cleanliness and sanitation movements.
The Ganeshotsav 2025 Nirmalya Collection drive reflects the Pratishthan’s enduring commitment to combining devotion with duty, and spirituality with sustainability. Transforming religious offerings into nourishing compost is a beautiful example of how traditional festivals can be celebrated responsibly—without harming nature.
