- November 15, 2024
- Student Blog
This Diwali felt truly special, and looking back, it was unlike any I have experienced before. Going home after a while was like a breath of fresh air. There is something unique about the joy of being with family, the comfort of home-cooked meals, and the warmth that only home can offer. Now that I’m back in college, I find myself reflecting on what made this Diwali stand out and why it felt more meaningful this time around.
One thing that made it so memorable was my decision to celebrate in a more sustainable way. Universal Ai University has made me more aware of our environmental impact, which I hadn’t thought much about before. I started learning about it from small initiatives around campus. We have workshops, student-led discussions, and even classes that dive into topics like environmental responsibility and sustainable living. At Universal Ai University, sustainability isn’t just a policy, it’s a way of life. We are committed to reducing waste and leaving a lighter footprint on the planet. Our campus is proudly a no-plastic zone, and every drop of water we use is carefully recycled and re-filtered, ensuring it’s safe, clean, and ready to be used again. Solar panels provide much of our energy, using the sun’s power to keep our campus running. This thoughtful approach goes beyond conservation, it’s a daily reminder to live with greater awareness and responsibility toward our environment.
So this year I decided to embrace a more sustainable Diwali. I reused old clothes, mixing and matching to create new styles, and was thrilled by how a little creativity could make a difference. I used handmade diyas and natural decor instead of the usual electric lights and plastic decorations. Watching the soft, gentle glow of the diyas fill our home was magical in a way no artificial lights could replicate. Knowing I was celebrating in a way that I respected the planet by cutting down on waste in a simple, personal way just made it feel more satisfying.
Learning about sustainability, Universal Ai University has given me a new perspective on the bigger picture too. When you really think about it, sustainability affects every part of our world, from the air we breathe to the quality of life for future generations. I used to think of environmental issues as an abstract, but they’re so connected to our everyday lives. Pollution, climate change, and resource depletion aren’t just topics for scientists to worry about, they do impact everyone. By making small, mindful choices, like reducing waste or conserving energy, we are contributing to a healthier planet. And while my Diwali changes may have been just a small step, I feel like I’m part of something bigger- a movement to protect what we all share.
Across the world, Diwali celebrations are also evolving with a focus on eco-friendly traditions. People are embracing reusable clothes and reducing their consumption, helping protect resources and avoid the need to cut down more trees. Green Diwali was celebrated globally with a focus on eco-friendly practices, including natural decor, clay diyas, reduced fireworks, digital greetings, sustainable gifts, and awareness campaigns. These efforts reflect a mindful shift towards honoring tradition while protecting the environment. This shift isn’t just a trend, it reflects a global awareness of our environmental responsibility. Festivals like Diwali are becoming not only times of joy but also moments to reflect on our impact and our role in preserving the planet.
Looking back, I realize that this Diwali was not just about celebrating tradition, it was about understanding why that tradition matters and finding joy in the simplicity of it all. By making eco-friendly choices, I wasn’t just celebrating, I was valuing what I truly believe in. And now that I am back in college, I carry those memories with me, along with a sense of purpose to continue celebrating with the same intention, not just on Diwali, but in all aspects of life.
This Diwali was a chapter of growth for me. It taught me to find joy in simplicity, to live with purpose, and to remember that each small step we take matters, both for ourselves and for the world around us. As I return to my studies and responsibilities, I feel a renewed commitment to make every moment, every choice, one that aligns with the values I care about. Diwali may be over, but its lessons are something I’ll carry with me all year long.
As we move forward, it’s inspiring to see a world moving toward greener economies, where concepts like reusability and sustainability are becoming essential. From recycling clothes to exploring sustainable materials, more people are realizing the importance of conserving resources. This Diwali may have ended, but the message remains clear- “we need to save our world for the future.”
Sweta Pandey
MBA 1st Year Student
Universal Ai University
