Kolkata: In a world where everyone is too busy appreciating the celebration of aesthetics, Samaj Sebi Sangha chose to celebrate immaterialism by dedicating their 73rd Durga Puja to the visually impaired people and place an appeal to the mass for Eye Donation.
This year at Samaj Sebi Sangha mandap two front panels will show Solar and Lunar Eclipse signifying Donation of eyes and giving back light to the blind; followed by Braille inscription of Durga Mantra on both sides of the decorated panels.
Unlike all pandals that insist viewers to maintain distance from the artefacts, Samaj Sebi turns the table by encouraging people to feel the display of thread and bamboo work to experience the artistry.
Every element at the mandap had been embossed to provide a 360 degree experience to the unsighted. Face of Ma Durga has been made with screws which the blind people can touch to feel how Maa looks like. The mandap also showcases a face with two hands on the eyes which depicts how a blind person uses their hands as their eyes. Drishti Pradip is dedicated to the sightless.
While a special voice over for this Puja has been recorded by Tollywood Superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, the mrinmoyi protima has been moulded by Parimal Paul.
This year Samaj Sebi has also collaborated with a social organization – Voice of World, Behala and MP Birla Eye Bank for eye donation camp.
A message and appeal from Samaj Sebi Shangha to humanity:
Let not death hide the light in our eyes. A pair of our eyes can bring life and light to two blind souls. Let us pledge to serve God by serving humanity.
When we are done with our responsibilities on earth, let us pass the baton to the ones who are waiting in their dark and wide world. To be able to see the beauties of the world even after death is one of the rarest privileges that we can give ourselves.
We welcome all to participate in one of the most divine humanitarian acts of donating our eyes.