Imagine this: you have clay in front of you, and you are told to sculpt a statue of Ganesha from it. Add another condition—tie your eyes so you cannot see the clay or know what shape the sculpture is taking under your hands. However, the Akola resident, Sharad Kokate, managed to complete this task.
Sharad Kokate tied a blindfold over his eyes, sat next to the clay, and allowed his hands to work. Gradually, the clay began to take shape, and in a short time, the statue of Ganesha appeared. This raises the question of why someone would sculpt a statue of Ganesha with their eyes closed. This story is related not only to art but also to faith and an ecological message.
This unique approach by eco-activist Sharad Kokate in Akola surprises people. He used clay to create the statue, but instead of the usual method, he tied a blindfold, not seeing what was in front of him. However, years of experience likely reflected in his hands. His hands touch the clay, shaping it, squeezing it, and lifting it, and gradually the form of Ganesha emerges from the clay.
Creating a statue without visual control is not an easy task. Giving different parts of the statue shape and maintaining overall balance presents a serious challenge. But for Sharad Kokate, this was not just a test; it was a way to convey his message.
He is not a new person attracting attention with his work on eco-friendly statues of Ganesha. For about 20 years, he has been promoting the idea of environmentally friendly Ganesha statues. That is, his efforts are not limited to this year. For almost two decades, he has been trying to explain to people that celebrating festivals and caring for the environment can go hand in hand.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, statues of Ganesha are installed in homes and pandals, pujas are performed, and devotees' enthusiasm reigns. Then comes the immersion day, and that is when discussions about ecology begin. Sharad Kokate's message is that this festival of faith can be celebrated while taking responsibility towards nature. This unusual method of creating a statue of Ganesha with his eyes closed attracts attention in Akola.