When a novel idea germinated in minds of schoolchildren

Students of a government high school in the city have come up with an alternative to Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols, which besides not harming the environment will have a positive impact, by adding to the greenery.

With the help of trainers from the non-profit Art of Giving, class 10 students of the Government High School, Police Colony, created moulded clay idols, with seeds inside them. When immersed in a pot with some soil and water, the seed will germinate and grow into a sapling.

“We conduct skill development training in government schools. During an idol-making session, students suggested that instead of wasting the clay, it could be used for growing plants,” said Guruprasad R, from the foundation. The trainer experimented with ídols containing seeds at home. On Tuesday, the group worked together to make about 60 of these idols.

“Ganesha Chaturthi causes water pollution, Diwali creates noise pollution. We thought that only something very innovative would stop people from using PoP idols, so we came up with this concept,” said Kousalya M, a student. Only natural elements like clay are used in the idols and they are left unpainted. Easily available flower seeds and even ragi seeds are placed inside them. Guruprasad added, “Our foundation only trains students. If there is demand for the idols, it is up to them to take it forward.”