Green School B'lore presents Gombe Gollu display

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: The Green School Bangalore (TGSB) has combined cultural tradition with sustainability in an innovative Gombe Gollu display created by its students using recycled materials. This eco-friendly initiative is part of the school's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlights how traditional Indian rituals can align with environmental responsibility. Gombe Gollu, a traditional part of Dasara celebrations, typically involves arranging figurines on tiered platforms to depict stories from mythology, culture and daily life. At TGSB, students reimagined this tradition through a sustainable lens, using recycled paper, cardboard and waste fabric to create the figurines.

This approach aligns with the school’s goal of building a zero-waste, zero-energy and zero-carbon campus while preserving cultural heritage. “The Gombe Gollu project at TGSB beautifully bridges tradition and sustainability. By using recycled materials, our students are not only preserving cultural heritage but also embodying the principles of environmental responsibility that our school stands for. This initiative demonstrates that sustainability can be a part of every aspect of life, including celebrations and reflects our commitment to a zero-carbon, zero-waste and zero-energy future,” said Usha Iyer, Founder and Principal of TGSB. The project also supports TGSB’s goal of becoming a zero-energy, zero-carbon and zero-waste institution by engaging students in sustainable practices. The Gombe Gollu figurines made by the students will be put up for sale, with proceeds going towards the school’s ongoing sustainability projects. This not only promotes environmental awareness but also provides students with hands-on experience in contributing to sustainability efforts. “Creating recycled Gombe Gollu dolls at TGSB has been a great experience. It taught me how to transform waste into art, integrating creativity with sustainability while celebrating our culture,” said Gagana Siri, a student. The initiative has proven to be both a cultural and educational success, allowing students to celebrate their Indian heritage while learning the importance of eco-friendly practices.