Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with eco-friendly Ganesha idols from Pragiti

Pragiti, based in Hyderabad, is a centre that empowers youngsters with disabilities through special education and vocational training. With Ganesh Chaturthi round the corner, the students here are busy making eco-friendly Ganesha idols from clay and other bio-degradable products.

The auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi is round the corner and many families are looking for Ganesha idols to gift or decorate their homes with. The demand for eco-friendly Ganesha idols are on the rise with people becoming more environmental conscious. Recognising this, Pragiti an organisation that empowers youngsters with disabilities in Hyderabad, is making small idols that are winning hearts already.

Founded in 2000 by Rajalakshmi Chunduri, Pragiti reaches out to over 30 people with intellectual disabilities. The main focus is to provide special education and vocational training. Youngsters here make paper bags, envelopes and gift items round the year. They have been making Ganesh idols for eight yeas now using clay and other bio-degradable materials.

This year too, our students were excited about making Ganesha idols. We have always focused on making our idols eco-friendly because we do not want to pollute the environment. For youngsters with mental disabilities, involving in activities like this helps them a lot because their concentration, speech and communication skills are enhanced. Sometimes, they even interact with customers. We also have parents coming in to help their children-Rajalakshmi Chunduri, Founder, Pragiti

Residents at Pragiti are between the age group of nine to 45 years. “Our staffs are trained on how to lend a helping hand to our students while making the idols. This is in fact a fun process where youngsters, parents and teachers come together while also learning new techniques”, says Rajalakshmi.

One hundred and fifty idols have already been sold and 200 more are left. These cute little idols are priced between ₹Rs 80 to ₹100. “All of us enjoy this process and we are ready to make more of them if we get orders”, says Rajalakshmi.

Anjali Devi, has been teaching at Pragiti for the past nine years. “Every year, we look forward to Ganesh Chaturthi so that we can have a fun time making the idols. Teachers need a lot of patience while reaching out to youngsters. Every child is different and their strengths also vary. But all throughout, children loving this exercise”, says Devi.

So if you are looking out to buy some idols to gift your loved ones or prefer a bulk order, make sure to reach out to Pragiti!

Contact Pragiti at +91 92462-78109.

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