Sparsh Vinayak: An idol for visually challenged to touch and feel

‘The Unseen Idol’ was specially made by an Raj Baide, an artist based in Chembur, using materials like cotton, nylon and wax to provide tactile aids for the visually challenged. Nylon ropes were also used for the decor.

“When we celebrate Ganeshotsav every year, a significant section of our society cannot be a part of it. Generally, people are not encouraged to touch the idol. That is when we decided to create the first ever blind-friendly Ganpati idol. Ganeshotsav is an inclusive festival and everybody should be able to participate,” said Aniket Sharma, Managing Partner, 121 Experiences, who was behind the idea of the unique pandal.

Organised in association with the Eye Bank Association of India, the National Association for the Blind and the Cricket Association of the Blind, the organisers reached out to all blind schools in the city to ensure maximum participation by the visually challenged. Through the pandal, they also aimed at increasing awareness regarding eye donation and have already received 1.3 lakh pledges from people to donate their eyes.

The organisers do not plan to immerse the idol at the end of the 11-day celebrations, and instead will donate it to an NGO for the blind. “We will donate the idol to an NGO that works for the blind so that more people can come forward to experience it and more people are made aware about it,” said Sharma.

Dr Arup Basu, President, New Businesses and Innovation Centre, Tata Chemicals Limited, said the Sparsh Vinayak campaign has been specially designed for them, to help them get a chance to admire and participate in the joyous Ganpati festival, breaking barriers of limitations.