Nagpur: Thousands of tiny hands came together, moulding clay into various ‘Bappa’ shapes while laying the foundation of communal harmony. Over 5,000 city students, belonging to different religions and castes, participated in the eco-friendly idol-making workshop organised by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Sabhagruha.It was a picture of camaraderie as Hindu students stepped in to help their Muslim classmates shape Ganesh idols. Students of Khwaja Garib Nawaz Urdu High School — Mohammed Azad Ahmed, Satib Husein, Zia-ur-Rehman and Mohammed Arsalan Ansari — participated in the workshop and learnt to sculpt Ganesh idols from ‘Shadu’ clay.Their Hindu peers were seen helping them understand the techniques and shape the idols, turning what was conceived as an environmental initiative into a lesson in inclusiveness. Over 5,000 children from 76 schools participated in the workshop.The Muslim students told TOI the workshop gave them an opportunity not just to learn a new skill but also to spend time with classmates from another community. “We enjoyed making Ganesh idols and were happy when our friends helped us shape them,” said Mohammed Azad Ahmed, one of the students.“Our friends explained the small details to us and helped us when we found it difficult to mould the clay. Working together made us feel closer to each other and we enjoyed the experience a lot,” said Zia, another student.Students from Sanjay Nagar High School, Dipti Signal, — Khushi Shahu, Yogeshwari Raut and Ananya — also participated in the workshop. The students said they would remember the workshop as an experience of learning, friendship, and togetherness. The students expressed happiness at being able to create idols and said they would celebrate Ganeshotsav in an eco-friendly manner.Held under the guidance of mayor Neeta Thakre, the workshop began with chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”. Thakre said such initiatives were important to promote Shadu clay idols and help prevent water pollution caused by plaster of Paris idols.The students’ creativity was on full display, with several unusual and attractive idols drawing attention. Students of Jyotiba Vidyalaya created a replica of Nagpur’s famous Tekdi Ganpati, while others sculpted Mushakvahak Ganesh and idols depicting the deity vanquishing a demon. Ganesh idols riding a peacock and seated on a throne were among the other creations.Trainers Nana Misal, Gaurav Savarkar, Nishant Kawdte and Pasthankar, along with teachers, guided the children through the process. NMC provided Shadu clay and other sculpting materials.The workshop saw participation from students of 56 NMC schools and 20 other city schools. Many children took their idols home, while the remaining idols will be made available for installation by NMC officials and interested citizens.
