These societies used rangoli art for awareness

VADODARA: Using art as a tool for promoting sanitation and to ward off evils of superstitions and blind beliefs, residents of four residential societies came together and drew a rangoli on Avanti Nagar crossroads in Sama on Thursday. Avantika Nagar, Rajveer Nagar, Vraj Dham Society and Suvas Park societies have pledged to keep their premises clean by carrying out regular cleaning activities and awareness drives.
"In this modern age, superstitions and blind beliefs are still deep-rooted in our society. On the eve of 'Kali Chaudas', people keep earthen pots, brooms, broken coconuts and 'vadas' on various crossroads across the city. To dispel the blind faith associated with the day and to encourage people to abolish blind beliefs, we prepared a rangoli with a social message to abolish such activities on crossroads," said Krishnammal Venkat, a resident of Avantika Society.
The residents have also encountered various road accidents owing to the same. "Apart from leading to minor accidents, these items add to the increasing waste on roads that is not cleaned owing to fear of superstitions. Our members not only made a rangoli but also spread awareness on sanitation and breaking taboos by speaking to people and preventing them from throwing waste," said Deepak Padalia, another resident.
The residents have also decided to clean their society and nearby premises on every second and fourth Sunday of the month. "In an effort to create awareness on cleanliness and sanitation, we have decided to clean our premises, thereby encouraging other residential societies to do the same," added Padalia.
"Having drawn the rangoli, not a single waste was thrown on the crossroads and nearby areas. We hope that other areas will also adopt our efforts," said Ghanshyam Vyas, a resident of Vraj Dham Society.