Kalyani: In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability and public health, Kalyani University has unveiled a specialized line of herbal colors ahead of the upcoming spring festival. The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Botany Department, the Institution Innovation Council, and the campus incubation cell, has introduced “Kalyanvarna,” a brand of organic abir designed to provide a skin-friendly alternative to the hazardous synthetic dyes currently dominating the market.
Vice Chancellor Professor Kallol Pal emphasized that the project was born out of a necessity to combat the rising health risks associated with industrial pigments. Noting that commercial colors often contain heavy metals and toxic dyes capable of causing severe skin allergies, respiratory distress, and long-term dermatological damage, Professor Pal stated that the university’s mission is to ensure a “joyous celebration without compromising on health hazards.” He further signaled the university’s intent to scale production and eventually market these products to the wider public beyond the campus boundaries.
The “Kalyanvarna” formulation is rooted in indigenous botanical science, utilizing raw materials sourced directly from the university’s own biodiversity park. Under the supervision of researcher Supriya Roy, the team successfully developed a low-cost extraction process to keep the product affordable—a challenge that has hindered similar academic ventures in the past. The ingredients list reads like a botanical catalog, featuring Bixa Orellana seeds for vibrant reds, Saraca Asoca leaves for greens, and Curcuma Longa rhizomes for yellows.
According to Professor Nira Sen Sarkar, the incubation cell’s coordinator, the organic composition offers more than just aesthetic appeal. The inclusion of ingredients like Beta Vulgaris and Curcuma Aromatica provides the abir with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, effectively protecting the skin rather than irritating it. This innovative approach has already garnered significant praise from the academic community as a model for sustainable tradition.
Available in accessible 50-gram and 100-gram packs priced at ₹50 and ₹100 respectively, “Kalyanvarna” is being positioned as a socially responsible alternative for the festive season. As a professor from the Botany Department noted, the initiative serves as a timely reminder that cultural traditions and modern sustainability can coexist, ensuring the festival of colors remains a safe experience for all.