We are all aware of the hazards of the POP Ganesha idols. Also, the Shadu Clay idols take days to disintegrate in nature. Looking at this whole scenario, Pune’s ace sculptor has innovated a new material for Ganesha idols and these idols dissolve in the water within 1 hour!
This sculptor is Pune’s very own Abhijit Dhondphale and he received a patent for this material this month itself. Isn’t that something we Punekars should be proud of! This material, proudly named after his father Ravindra Dhondphale, is a mixture of river sand, Shadu clay and soft rice bran. That makes the idols made out of this material completely nature-friendly and without any added chemicals!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Abhijit Dhondphale’s name in his talk show Mann Ki Baat in 2016 for his contribution in making eco-friendly idols. That motivated him to work on this new material and he successfully applied for its patent in 2019. Abhijit has already started making Ganpati idols using the patented Ravindra Material and is up for bookings as well.
Mr. Dhondphale also claims that the residue of this idol is very fertile and adds up to the fertility of the land it is disposed of in. He declares that he has given his invention of this material to the nation and this can help reduce the pollution caused by POP idols.
Abhijit also conducts workshops in schools, colleges and in his own studio as well. This is slowly becoming a movement and Punekars must join the movement and help reduce the pollution of the rivers and nature overall caused by POP idols!
Address: Dhondphale Kala Niketan, 483, Sarthak Square, 2, Rasta Peth, Pune-11
