Clay vs plaster

HYDERABAD: Kalanidhi, an art and craft school located in Madhapur orchestrated a workshop on making clay Ganesh idols, bringing the materials and instructing participants on how to model clay idols.Children sat gathered around a coffee table, hands covered in clay and the table covered in all sorts of shapes and sizes of clay models.Small sized idols, big enough to fit in the palm were being systematically worked on --- first the body, the head, trunk, ears, eyes and other parts being attatched.Said Navatha Vangeti, who runs the school, “With the festival coming up, this is a good way to increase awareness about using idols made of clay.Plaster of paris idols are harmful to the environment.But people still buy them because they are more colourful.” Vangeti also conceded that just raising awareness about the issue would not be enough.“I think the government should try an intervention.Otherwise the market for plaster of price will remain popular as ever.” However the notion of clay idols not being very popular among people was reflected in the participation at workshop.The group consisted of a handful of children ranging from first to fifth standard.Despite the low numbers, the group had a good time with the kids who were enthusiastic about the exercise.Asked whether they would use clay idols this year, the children chorused in agreement.Said a beaming fifth standard boy, “We don’t celebrate the puja every year.But I will ask my mother this year and use the idol I made.” Kalanidhi holds similar workshops at its premises during the week which is largely attended by housewives and children.