Pics: Justin D'Silva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Aug 31: Adhering to the norms of eco-friendly idols of Ganeshas this year, the noted sand artist Srinath and team has come up with a new concept.

A 12-feet tall Ganapathi statue ‘Vishwadhanadhipa Ganapa’, made out duplicate currency notes of 21 countries, is stealing the limelight. The statue was unveiled by owner of Sai Radha Motors, Manohar S Shetty at TVS showroom of Sai Radha Motors Udupi here on Saturday, August 31.

Popular artistes Srinath Manipal, Srivenki Palimar and Ravi Hirebettu have designed the unique currency Ganesha. Manohar shetty always promotes eco-friendly activities. So this time too his artiste team came up with this new concept.

Speaking on the occasion, Manohar shetty said, “During Ganesha Chathurthi festive season, we come up with new and environment-friendly Ganapa. Earlier also we have launched Ganesha made out of paper cups, biscuit and grains. Let Ganesha bring prosperity in everyone’s life and let him bless all.”

Speaking to media persons, artiste Srinath said, “Every year we come up with new-unique and eco-friendly concept. We took 15 days to design the Ganesha idol. Though a major part of the statue is made using Indian currency notes, it also includes currency notes of 21 other countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bahrain, UAE, USA, Israel and other. We have used thermocol to stick notes and papers.

Earlier I have designed statues using paper cups, handmade papers, handcraft materials, biscuits and grains.

Siddharth M Shetty, son of Manohar Shetty, Vrijanath Acharya, general manager of Sai Radha TVS, Prakash Thantri, divisional manager, T J Hegde, councilors like Girish Anchan, Manjunath Manipal, Manasa Pai and Harsharaj of Janatha Publicity were present.

The idol is open for public view for ten days from Saturday, August 31. People can visit and see this creation of art from morning to evening at the Sai Radha TVS show room, located at Vidyatheertha Marg in Kalsanka, Udupi.