New Patented Clay Makes Ganesh Idols Eco-Friendly and Strong!
Pune sculptor creates patented eco-friendly clay for Ganesh idols.
As the Ganesh festival approaches, Pune-based sculptor Abhijit Dhondphale is making waves with his patented eco-friendly clay mixture, named ‘Ravindra Mishran’ after his father and mentor, Ravindra Dhondphale. Recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 2016 ‘Mann ki Baat’ address for his commitment to environmentally conscious idol-making, Dhondphale has now elevated his family’s 80-year legacy of crafting sustainable Ganesh idols.
The Dhondphale family’s journey began in 1940 with Naresh Dhondphale, who founded ‘Dhondphale Kala Niketan,’ a Pune-based art studio renowned for its precision and quality. Unlike many artisans, the family steadfastly avoided Plaster of Paris (PoP), a non-biodegradable material that pollutes water bodies when idols are immersed. Instead, they embraced ‘shadu’ clay, a traditional, eco-friendly medium. Ravindra Dhondphale and his brother Anil further innovated by experimenting with materials like paper pulp, with a preserved 1955 paper pulp Ganesh idol still displayed by the Pangul Ali Ganapati Mandal in Pune.
Abhijit, a third-generation sculptor with a BSc in Botany, has long championed eco-friendly practices. “My father taught me about the environmental harm caused by PoP, which hardens in water and litters riverbanks,” he told PTI. His advocacy included educating students in schools and colleges about the benefits of clay idols, earning him national recognition.
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Despite its eco-friendly credentials, shadu clay has limitations, including fragility during transportation. To address this, Dhondphale developed ‘Ravindra Mishran’ in 2019, a groundbreaking mixture of alluvial soil, shadu clay, and soft rice bran. After rigorous experimentation, he secured a patent in 2023. This innovative blend produces idols that are sturdier and lighter than traditional clay, rivaling the durability of PoP while remaining fully biodegradable. “The mixture dries faster, allows finer detailing, and dissolves quicker in water than pure shadu clay,” Dhondphale explained. Post-immersion residue can even be repurposed for potted plants, ensuring zero environmental impact.
The ‘Ravindra Mishran’ idols have garnered attention from prominent Ganesh festival mandals in Pune, who are commissioning these sustainable creations for the upcoming celebrations starting Wednesday. Dhondphale’s work extends beyond idol-making; his sculptures of Indian Army legends, including Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and General Bipin Rawat, reflect his deep connection with the armed forces.
By blending tradition with innovation, Dhondphale’s patented mixture is poised to redefine eco-friendly idol-making, offering a sustainable alternative that preserves the cultural essence of the Ganesh festival while protecting the environment.
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