In Chawadewada, Parsem, the Ashtavinayak Art community, under the leadership of the Salgaonkar family, has dedicated 15 years to crafting 35 exquisite Lord Ganesha idols. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Unlike many others, they have forsaken the use of Plaster of Paris idols, opting for eco-friendly alternatives instead.
This transition to eco-conscious craftsmanship has been a commendable journey, though not without its fair share of challenges. In their quest for a more sustainable future, the community has called for increased government support. One of their central demands is the need for higher monthly pensions for artists. While the government does provide a pension, the community argues that an increase in subsidies is essential to help sustain their invaluable craft.
Compounding the issue are the complex bureaucratic formalities that often prevent artists from accessing the full subsidy of Rs 100 per idol.
Criticism has emerged over the government’s current subsidy and recognition practices. It seems that those who continue to use Plaster of Paris idols receive more attention than those who have wholeheartedly embraced eco-friendly alternatives. This raises important questions about the allocation of support and recognition within the artistic community, highlighting the urgent need for a fairer and more sustainable approach.
