Pune: Yerawada Prison Inmates Craft 200 Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols, 190 Sold
Pune: Behind the high walls of Yerawada Central Jail, where prisoners follow a tightly regulated daily routine, a group of inmates has found a different way to express creativity and contribute to Pune’s Ganeshotsav celebrations. Using natural clay, prisoners have crafted Ganesh idols that are being sold to citizens through two stalls set up at Yerawada and Swargate. The initiative, undertaken as…
In the confines of Yerawada Central Jail, where inmates follow a strict daily routine, a group of prisoners has discovered an alternative means of expression and contribution to Pune's Ganeshotsav. Employing natural clay, the inmates have fashioned Ganesh idols which are now available for purchase through stalls established at Yerawada and Swargate.
This endeavor, part of the prison's skill-development and rehabilitation programs, has resulted in the creation of approximately 200 idols. As of now, around 190 of these idols have found buyers, according to prison supervisor Kundalik Khalokar. These idols come in various sizes and designs, providing devotees with an eco-friendly option to commemorate the festival at home while also supporting the efforts of the prisoners.
The initiative was initiated in January, with prisoners being trained in the art of making Ganesh idols. After completing the training, which lasted for two to three months, the inmates began producing the idols around May and June, eventually creating around 200 idols in different shapes, sizes, and designs. These idols are crafted using shaadu maati, a natural clay that offers an environmentally friendly alternative to idols made from materials like Plaster of Paris.
The pricing of the idols ranges from approximately ₹600 to ₹3,000, reflecting the size, detailing, and work involved in each piece. This pricing strategy aims to cater to a diverse range of budgets and preferences among citizens. The sales outlets have facilitated the inmates' work reaching beyond the prison walls, making it accessible to festival-goers.
Proceeds from the sales will be used to cover the costs of materials and compensate the prisoners for their labor. This arrangement ensures that the inmates gain a direct financial benefit from their work, providing them with the opportunity to allocate the funds for their personal needs within the jail premises. For prisoners serving life sentences, this initiative also offers a much-needed respite from the monotony of daily life in prison.
It provides them with a new skill, engagement, and a sense of accomplishment, contributing to their mental well-being and fostering qualities such as patience, concentration, and teamwork.
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