Clay, Creativity and a Second Chance: Pune’s Yerawada Inmates Craft Ganesha Idols
Pune, 20th August 2026: In an effort to help inmates develop their skills, rebuild confidence and reconnect with society, prisoners at Yerawada Central Jail have created eco-friendly Lord Ganesha idols from natural clay ahead of the upcoming Ganeshotsav.
The initiative is being conducted under the ‘Preranapath’ programme, jointly run by the Maharashtra Prison Administration, Bhoi Pratishthan-Pune and Adarsh Mitra Mandal, Pune, for several years. As part of the programme, inmates were trained in making Ganesha idols, with the aim of encouraging their artistic abilities and channelising their sense of remorse into positive action.
The idols created by the inmates are finely crafted and aesthetically appealing, officials said. Renowned sculptors Vivek Khatavkar, Viraj Khatavkar and Pundalik Khalolkar, along with their associates, provided training and guidance to the inmates.
Additional Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Dr Suhas Warke, Inspector General Yogesh Desai, Yerawada Central Jail superintendent Sunil Dhamal and additional superintendent Pallavi Kadam appealed to citizens to purchase the idols made by the inmates and install them in their homes.
They said the initiative would encourage inmates and strengthen their efforts towards positive transformation and rehabilitation.
The eco-friendly Ganesha idols are being sold at a stall at Gayatri Clinic, Khadak Mal, Rashtrabhushan Chowk, Shivaji Road, Pune. Made from natural Shadu clay, the idols are designed to minimise environmental impact.
The organisers urged citizens to support the initiative by purchasing the idols, saying it would not only promote eco-friendly celebrations but also encourage the inmates’ rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The initiative seeks to take a message of transformation into homes along with the idols of Lord Ganesha and encourage society to recognise and support the inmates’ artistic talents and efforts to rebuild their lives.
