PUNE: In preparation for the upcoming festivities in September, With Love NGO and Raasta Cafe organized an eco-friendly Ganesha-making workshop for kids in Pune. The workshop aimed to encourage citizens to make mindful and responsible choices by sculpting their own Ganpati Bappa idol using shadu mati, a special clay found on river banks in Gujarat and the Konkan.
Shadu clay idols dissolve faster than those made of regular clay, making them environment-friendly with a low carbon footprint. At the time of visarjan, the idols can be immersed in a bucket of water at home, returning to their clay form, and can be reused for sculpting.
Parents and children attended the workshop, learning to love Mother Earth as much as they love their own mothers. By making their own Ganpati, the children also reduced harm to the planet by not buying one from the market.
The workshop also emphasized social responsibility, with proceeds being invested in curating joy bags filled with essential food grains for less privileged families. For every idol made, one family receives their monthly groceries.
Dimple Somji of With Love NGO said, “The kids not only learned a new skill but were made aware of their social responsibilities in a fun and friendly way.“
To get involved in similar workshops, contact With Love NGO and Neelima Ladkat on their Instagram handle @withlovepune and sprinkle kindness into the world.
