In a unique initiative to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi next month, over 3,000 children participated in an eco-friendly Ganesh idol-making workshop on Sunday at 11 places across the city. The event was organised by Sakal Media Group.
The workshop was held at Ishanya Mall, City International School at Kothrud, Versatile Primary School at Sinhagad Road, Vidya Vikas Vidyalaya at Satara Road, Lara Global School at Hadapsar, CM International at Baner, Novel International School at Nigdi, Pratishtha International School at Chinchwad, Challenger Public School at Pimple Saudagar, Pawar Public School at Nanded City and Sakal Head Office at Budhwar Peth.
Speaking about the workshop, Mahesh M, CEO Ishanya Mall said that it is heartwarming to see the children of Pune engage in such a wonderful activity here at Ishanya.
“The God of good beginnings is about to visit us soon and they are giving him a lovely green welcome. At Ishanya we believe in doing our small bit to society and thanks to Sakal for making us part of such a great initiative. We recently dedicated a small solar facility to encourage the use of renewable energy,” said Mahesh.
Speaking of being eco-friendly, Kanchan Deshpande, Principal of Novel International School said, “In our school 70 to 80 per cent students have already started thinking of working for the environment. An event like this brings students from all the religions together.”
Echoing similar views, Savita Travis, Pratibha International School, Chinchwad said, “The same activity was conducted last year too by Sakal and the parents had worshipped the Ganesh idols made here. The activity is directly helping in keeping the environment safe.”
The children made Ganesh idols in various styles and designs. Impressed by the same, Amruta Upadhye, who conducted the workshop at Novel International School said, “The idols that children have come up with can be compared to the abstract idol paintings that artists make.”
Siddhi Barate, a Std I student who enjoyed making the idol said, “ I will go home and paint it in yellow, orange, red and pink colours.”
