Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 20 FEB: In a refreshing blend of tradition and scientific innovation ahead of Holi, the University of Kalyani has unveiled a home-grown, herbal alternative to the chemical-laden colours that flood markets every spring. Branded “Kalyanbarna,” the eco-friendly abir has been developed under the aegis of the Institution’s Innovation Council, through a collaborative effort between the university’s Incubation Cell and the Department of Botany — an initiative that seeks to marry festive fervour with public health and environmental responsibility.
At a time when concerns over the toxic impact of synthetic colours on skin, eyes and respiratory health are mounting, the university’s initiative signals a conscious return to nature. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kallol Pal said the institution felt a moral obligation to respond to the growing health risks associated with commercially available abir.
“The chemical content in market-sold colours is entering the human body and the toxic effects are harmful. As a university, we have a responsibility towards society. That is why we have developed a chemical-free, herbal product. I believe this initiative will gradually grow into a large movement. Not only other universities, but in the coming days we aim to cross state boundaries and market it across the country,” he said.
The herbal abir has been prepared using plant-based ingredients such as seeds of Sindur Raga, leaves of Ashoka Harita, rhizomes of Kasturi Gauri, roots of Mridu Leela, and turmeric rhizome, among others. According to the developers, these components are not merely natural dyes but also carry therapeutic properties.
The product has already generated interest beyond the university campus. Faculty members, non-teaching staff, students and researchers have embraced the initiative, and word of the herbal colour has spread across Nadia district.
The formulation was developed under the supervision of Supriya Ray, an alumna of the university. She revealed that although Jadavpur University had once considered producing herbal abir, the project was shelved due to high costs. Ray, however, focused on extracting pigments from commonly available vegetables, flowers and edible plant sources to reduce production expenses.
“I learned methods to extract colour from various vegetables, flowers and leaves that we regularly consume. This helped in producing the abir at a lower cost. The herbal ingredients and organic powders used in it do not cause any allergic reactions,” she said.
Entrepreneurs involved in the project emphasised that the abir is not only safe for the skin but may also offer protective benefits. The ingredients are known to contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making the product gentle and skin-friendly.
Prof. Neera Sen Sarkar of the Department of Botany and Coordinator of the Incubation Cell pointed out that the raw materials are sourced from the university’s own Biodiversity Park.
“All the herbal components required for preparing the abir are available in the university’s Biodiversity Park. Researchers from different departments have worked together to develop this product. Compared to the synthetic colours available in the market today, ‘Kalyanbarna’ stands out as a truly innovative alternative,” she said.
Determined not to confine the initiative within academic boundaries, the authorities have decided to make the product available to the public. The biodegradable and environmentally sustainable abir is priced at Rs 100 for a 100-gram pack and Rs 50 for a 50-gram pack. It is currently available at the university’s Incubation Cell and Department of Botany.
