Nagpur: Hundreds of students from Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) schools showcased their creativity and latent artistic talents by crafting eco-friendly Lord Ganesh idols using Shadu clay. The students also pledged to celebrate this year’s Ganeshotsav in an environmentally friendly manner. The workshop, organized by NMC on Monday at the Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Reshimbagh, received an enthusiastic response.
The event was graced by Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Singal, NMC Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari, District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar, Additional Commissioner Anchal Goyal, Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimit Goyal, Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Dr. Gajendra Mahalle, Education Officer Sadhana Suyam, NMC’s Cleanliness Brand Ambassador Kiran Mundada, Aanchal Verma, wife of the District Collector Dr. Shalini Itankar, traditional idol makers and trainers Nana Misal and Deepak Bhagat, along with students and art teachers from NMC schools.
During the workshop, all participants took delight in creating Bappa idols from clay. Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Singal personally crafted a beautiful Lord Ganesh idol with his own hands. Additional Commissioner Anchal Goyal also made an attractive clay idol and provided guidance to the students. Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari and District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar also created clay idols.
While guiding the students, NMC Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari emphasized the environmental hazards posed by Plaster of Paris (POP) idols. He urged the students to install Bappa idols made of clay at their homes to prevent environmental degradation. Dr. Chaudhari also stressed that the idols placed in Sarvajanik Mandal pandals should be made of clay. He further educated the students on the importance of protecting the environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Commissioner Anchal Goyal highlighted the disruption of aquatic life and water pollution caused by the artificial colours used on PoP idols. She explained that PoP idols do not dissolve in water, leading to the disrespect of the deity. Goyal appealed to the students to take the eco-friendly Ganpati idols they made in the workshop home and install them during the festival.
In his introductory remarks, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Gajendra Mahalle explained that, as per the directives of the High Court, the installation of PoP idols is banned. He mentioned that NMC is taking steps to ensure an environmentally friendly Ganeshotsav this year by cracking down on those selling PoP idols. Additionally, NMC will provide artificial tanks for idol immersion. Dr. Mahalle also encouraged citizens to install only clay idols at their homes.
Traditional idol maker and trainer Nana Misal expressed his joy as an artist for creating idols with environmental considerations in mind. He urged the participants to plant a tree in the clay used for the Bappa idol after its immersion. NMC art teachers provided valuable support to the students during the workshop.
Trainers taught the students how to create Lord Ganesh idols from Shadu clay using simple methods. The students then crafted attractive idols, showcasing their creativity. The necessary materials, including Shadu clay and artistic tools, were provided to the students. The Police Commissioner distributed certificates to the participants.
Students from various NMC schools, including Jaitala Marathi Medium School, Shivangaon Marathi Medium School, Vivekanand Hindi Medium School, Ekta Nagar Marathi Upper Primary School, Durganagar Marathi Medium School, Dattatreya Nagar Marathi Medium School, Tajbagh Urdu Medium School, Dr. Ambedkar Marathi Medium School, Lal Bahadur Shastri Hindi Medium School, Valmiki Nagar Hindi Medium School, Pension Nagar Urdu Medium School, Netaji Market Hindi Medium School, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Secondary School, Pannalal Devdiya Hindi Medium School, Sanjaynagar Hindi Medium School, Kapil Nagar Hindi Medium School, M.A.K. Azad Urdu Medium School, G.M. Banatwala English Medium School, Haji A.M. Leader Urdu Medium School, Kundanlal Gupta Medium School, and Garib Nawaz Urdu Medium School, participated in the workshop.
The students who crafted the best idols were felicitated. The program was conducted by teacher Madhu Parad, and a vote of thanks was given by Education Officer Sadhana Suyam.
