Dr. Narottam Das, Medical Superintendent, Swami Dayanand Hospital, with balanced emphasis on health, environment, and civic responsibility.

East Delhi Dilshad Garden Arun Sharma

“Celebrate a Healthy Diwali — Only a Pollution-Free Festival Can Truly Light Up Our Lives”: Dr. Narottam Das, Medical Superintendent, Swami Dayanand Hospital

East Delhi, Dilshad Garden —
As the festival of lights draws near, Dr. Narottam Das, Medical Superintendent of Swami Dayanand Hospital — one of East Delhi’s largest government hospitals under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi — has made a heartfelt appeal to the public:

“Let us celebrate Diwali with joy, but also with responsibility — towards our health and our environment.”

Dr. Das reminded citizens that during Diwali, air pollution levels rise sharply, often reaching hazardous levels. He warned that smoke and toxic particles released from fireworks aggravate respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic allergies.

“The toxic elements from crackers mix with the air and cause severe breathing problems, especially among children and the elderly,” he explained. “This Diwali, let us all pledge to celebrate a ‘Green Diwali’ — a festival that spreads light, not smoke.”

‘Green Diwali’ — A Step Towards a Healthier Nation

Dr. Das praised the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Swachh Bharat Mission” and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s “Healthy Delhi Campaign”, emphasizing that both initiatives reflect a vision where cleanliness and health are national priorities.

“These missions can only succeed if citizens take collective responsibility,” he said. “A pollution-free Diwali is not just an environmental duty — it’s a social and moral commitment.”

He urged people to light traditional earthen diyas, use eco-friendly decorations, and encourage children to avoid firecrackers.

“True devotion lies in protecting both faith and nature,” Dr. Das added. “Diwali is the festival of light — not of smoke.”

The Health Toll of Air Pollution

Medical experts at Swami Dayanand Hospital have highlighted the alarming health impact of rising pollution levels during the festive season:

Fine particles PM2.5 and PM10 penetrate deep into the lungs, narrowing airways and impairing oxygen flow.

Asthma, bronchitis, eye irritation, and skin allergies increase dramatically after Diwali.

Pregnant women, senior citizens, and children are most at risk.

Prolonged exposure to polluted air significantly raises the risk of heart disease and lung cancer.

A Message to the Nation

Concluding his appeal, Dr. Narottam Das said:

“Celebrating Diwali is our tradition — but protecting nature is our duty. Let us send a powerful message this festive season: Clean air, healthy bodies, and a pollution-free India — that is the true meaning of Diwali.”

— Report by Arun Sharma