Viraj donates profit earned after selling his 100 idols to needy kids

For the past four years, 15-year-old Viraj Gapchoop from Chinchwad has been making 100 eco-friendly Ganesh idols at home each year, and donating the profit earned after selling them at minimal cost to underprivileged school children.

The Limca Book of Records-2013 has listed his efforts in making 100% environment-friendly idols.



The standard XI science student of Shri Fatechand Jain Jr. College (Chinchwad) said that the idea to make eco-friendly home-made idols came to his mind after his family failed to find such a Ganesh idol in stalls four years ago.

“The colours are made using indigo, mehendi, haldi and other naturally available materials. The cost incurred to make these idols range from Rs45 (small size) and Rs160 (big size). These hand-made idols are dried in sunlight,” said Viraj.
Viraj’s idols are a blend of two Ashtavinayak Ganeshas — Vighneshwar (Ozar) and Girijatmaka (Lenyadri). The idols are available in two sizes — around 7-inch and 11-inch tall.

Appeal to corporates for bulk bookings, workshops
Viraj Gapchoop has requested the corporate sector to buy idols under its corporate social responsibility (CSR)and human resources (HR) initiatives. Contact Dinesh Gapchoop (9922960506) and Manasi Gapchoop (7743871400) for details.