Pune: Yerawada Central Jail Inmates Learn Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idol Making Under Rehabilitation Initiative
Pune: Yerawada Central Jail Inmates Learn Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idol Making Under Rehabilitation Initiative
Pune, July 20, 2026: In a unique rehabilitation initiative aimed at helping prison inmates rebuild their lives through creativity and skill development, Yerawada Central Jail organised a workshop to train inmates in making eco-friendly Ganesh idols ahead of the Ganesh festival.
The workshop was conducted by renowned sculptor Vivek Khatavkar and young sculptor Viraj J. Khatavkar as part of ‘Prernapath’, a rehabilitation programme jointly run by the Maharashtra Prison Department, Bhoi Pratishthan, Pune, and Adarsh Mitra Mandal, Pune. The initiative has been working for the past 12 years to help inmates return to the mainstream by nurturing positive values, creativity, and self-confidence.
The training enabled inmates to learn every stage of idol-making—from preparing the clay to sculpting eco-friendly Lord Ganesh idols. Organisers said the participants displayed remarkable enthusiasm, discipline, and artistic talent throughout the workshop.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Suhas Warke, Additional Director General of Police (Prisons), Maharashtra, Deputy Inspector General of Prisons Yogesh Desai, Yerawada Central Jail Superintendent Sunil Dhamal, Additional Superintendent Pallavi Kadam, social activist Uday Jagtap, and prison officer Shivaji Patil.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Milind Bhoi, coordinator of the Prernapath project and Honorary Member of the Maharashtra State Youth Policy Committee, said the initiative aims to help inmates overcome despair and channel their energy into meaningful work. He noted that the project has received encouraging support from various sections of society.
Renowned sculptor Vivek Khatavkar said the inmates possess immense artistic potential and creative energy, which can flourish when given the right guidance and opportunities. He described the workshop as one of the most memorable experiences of his artistic career, adding that it marked the beginning of many positive transformations.
The workshop also received support from sculptors Shashikant Rahukar, Amit Kalal, Rohit Gole, paper craft expert Pundalik Khalolkar, Shubham Medankar, Pravin Sonawane, and Sanjay More, who mentored the participants during the training.
The Maharashtra Prison Department, Bhoi Pratishthan, and Adarsh Mitra Mandal have appealed to citizens and organisations to purchase the Ganesh idols crafted by the inmates, saying it would encourage their rehabilitation and help them begin a new chapter in life after completing their prison terms.
The programme commenced with an introductory address by prison officer Shivaji Patil and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by teacher Namdev Shinde.
