Nagpur, India: Hundreds of students from Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) schools unleashed their creativity and artistic talents by crafting eco-friendly Ganesh idols using natural clay. They also pledged to celebrate this year's Ganesh festival in an environmentally conscious manner. The workshop, held on Monday (September 2) at the Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Reshimbagh, saw enthusiastic participation.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Police Commissioner Dr Ravindra Singhal, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Dr Abhijit Chaudhary, District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar, Additional Commissioner Mrs Anchal Goyal, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr Nimit Goyal, Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department Dr Gajendra Mahalle, Education Officer Mrs Sadhana Sayam, and NMC’s Cleanliness Brand Ambassadors Mrs Kiran Mundada and Mrs Anchal Verma. Traditional idol makers and trainers, Mr Nana Misal and Mr Deepak Bhagat, along with students, art teachers, and other NMC officials, were also present.

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to create clay Ganesh idols. Police Commissioner Dr. Ravindra Singhal crafted a beautiful idol, while Additional Commissioner Mrs. Anchal Goyal made an attractive clay idol and guided the students. Dr Abhijit Chaudhary and District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar also joined in, creating their clay idols.

Speaking to the students, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Dr Abhijit Chaudhary emphasized the harmful effects of plaster of Paris (PoP) idols on the environment. He encouraged the use of clay idols for Ganesh celebrations to protect the environment, urging students to act as ambassadors of cleanliness and promote eco-friendly practices at home and in public manuals. Dr Chaudhary also highlighted the importance of environmental conservation.

Additional Commissioner Mrs Anchal Goyal explained how the artificial colours used on PoP idols harm aquatic life and cause water pollution, as PoP does not dissolve in water, leading to disrespect towards the deity. She encouraged students to take home the clay Ganesh idols they made during the workshop and use them for the festival.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Gajendra Mahalle, in his opening remarks, noted that, following the High Court's directives, the use of PoP idols is banned. He stated that NMC is committed to celebrating an eco-friendly Ganesh festival and is taking action against those selling PoP idols. NMC will also provide artificial tanks for idol immersion. Dr Mahalle urged citizens to use clay idols to ensure a sustainable celebration.

Idol maker and trainer Mr Nana Misal expressed his delight at seeing eco-friendly idols being crafted and encouraged participants to plant a tree during the idol immersion ceremony. NMC art teachers assisted students throughout the workshop.

Trainers guided students on how to make Ganesh idols from clay, and the students created various unique designs. Clay and necessary materials were provided to the participants, and certificates were distributed by the Police Commissioner.

Students from various schools, including Jayatala Marathi Medium School, Shivnagaon Marathi Medium School, Vivekananda Hindi Medium School, Ekatmata Nagar Marathi Upper Primary School, Durganagar Marathi Medium School, Dattatraya Nagar Marathi Medium School, Tajbag 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 Deodhiya 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. Outstanding students who crafted exceptional idols were honoured during the event. The program was hosted by teacher Mrs. Madhu Parad, with a vote of thanks delivered by Education Officer Mrs. Sadhana Sayam.