“Our Ganesh Idol, Your Price”: Doctor Couple’s Unique Initiative Supports Senior Citizens in Pimpri Chinchwad

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 27th August 2024: For the past decade, a doctor couple in Pimpri Chinchwad has been serving the community with a unique initiative during Ganesh Utsav. Every year, they create thousands of eco-friendly Ganesh idols and offer them through a special concept called “Our Ganesh Idol, Your Price.” They do not demand any fixed amount for their Ganesh idols, which are simple yet beautifully designed. Instead, they encourage donations to their old age home, allowing donors to contribute according to their preferences. These donations remain anonymous, even to those accepting them.

Dr. Avinash and Manali Vaidya, who have been practicing pathology for over 30 years in Pimpri Chinchwad, started an old age home named Sneh Sawali–Aple Ghar in Moshi in 2013. It is a non-profit organization that provides free services. Although the old age home was founded with selfless intentions, financing it proved challenging. To address this, the Vaidyas decided to create and showcase Ganesh idols, and advertising donations for the old age home during Ganesh Utsav. They began this initiative with an organization called Shri Shankar Maharaj Seva Mandal.

They named the initiative “Murti Aamchi – Kimmat Tumchi,” which translates to “Our Ganesh Idols, Your Price.” In an interview with Punekar News, Dr Avinash and Manali Vaidya shared that they launched this initiative in hopes of receiving donations for their old age home, which now houses around 30 happy senior citizens. Reflecting on their experience, they consider these Ganesh idols a kind of “return gift” for the generous donations they receive.

Dr. Manali Vaidya said, “We have seen donation envelopes containing amounts ranging from Rs 1, Rs 500, to even more than Rs 10,000. Since we don’t know who is giving how much, or even if they are paying at all, we offer them a Ganesh idol of their choice. We have many varieties with simplistic designs. We are deeply dedicated to this initiative, which is our way of giving back to society.”

All the Ganesh idols are on display at Chinchwade Lawns, located near the Aditya Birla River Bridge. These idols, crafted with natural colours and clay (Shadu Maati), may be simple, but they come in more than 50 designs. Sizes range from 6 inches to 24 inches, making them suitable for both private Ganesh Utsav celebrations and larger public events.

Dr Avinash Vaidya said, “Many volunteers who help us at our old age home also take part in this initiative. For me, making these Ganesh idols is very special. In Hinduism, Ganesh is a deity created to bring joy, but even then, there are certain rules we need to follow in the practical world. I urge all residents of Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune to visit Chinchwade Lawns, see these beautiful Ganesh idols, and take part in this unique initiative.”

Every year, Ganesh Utsav is celebrated with great excitement across the country. This festival is a perfect example of secularism, as people from all religions participate in it. To mark the occasion, many families bring Ganesh idols into their homes for 1.5, 5, 7, 10, or 14 days, depending on their traditions. However, Ganesh idols have become quite expensive, especially those labelled as eco-friendly, which are currently trending. Initiatives like this bring joy to everyone, as they can contribute what they can afford without worrying about the high cost of the idols.

The gallery of eco-friendly Ganesha idols has been open since 24th August and will continue until 7th September. The hall is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. This initiative is receiving a great response because people believe that the proceeds will be used for social work. Any surplus funds support the operation of the old age home.

The Shri Shankar Maharaj Seva Mandal also makes cloth bags to promote environmental protection. To date, they have organized over 1,800 blood donation camps, benefiting millions of patients. Their work extends into health, education, and the environment, and they have supported many students in pursuing higher education.

Prashant Kulkarni, a volunteer, said, “I came to see a Ganesh idol for myself. But after witnessing the service work of the Vaidya couple and Asha Pathrudkar, I felt a connection with them. Seeing this unique and commendable initiative, I decided to make a small contribution by volunteering.”

Cost of Making Displayed at Exhibition

According to the Vaidyas, many people are unsure how much to contribute. As this is a divine initiative, many wish to be honest and fair in their donations. To address this, the making costs of the Ganesh idols are displayed, helping visitors understand the expenses involved and plan their contributions accordingly. The costs are as follows: Rs 900 for a 6-inch idol, Rs 1200 for 8 inches, Rs 1400 for 10 inches, Rs 1700 for 12 inches, Rs 2000 for 14 inches, Rs 2200 for 16 inches, Rs 2700 for 18 inches, and Rs 4200 for 24 inches.

Sneh Sawali – Aple Ghar: Free Care for Seniors in Charholi

The ‘Sneh Sawali – Aple Ghar’ in Charholi is a free old age home that provides care for needy senior citizens at no cost. The institution covers all expenses, including accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, and medical aid, requiring around Rs 30 to 35 lakh per year. To fund these activities, the organization uses innovative schemes. Volunteers collect paper and household waste, recycling it when possible or selling it to raise funds. These efforts, combined with support from Ganesh Idol activities, help sustain the organization.