Three ardent lovers of environment and zeal to do something for society have stood an example for ‘communal harmony’ for the past six years celebrating Ganesh Chavithi publicly at Gollapudi on Vijayawada outskirts.
These youth instead of indulging in publicity blitzkrieg about their activities, bring soft clay soil from an island in river Krishna as that does not let the idol crack even after 11 days of celebrations. Six years ago Vanapalli Jaya Babu, a vegetable vendor and his brother Suresh, running a dry-cleaning service, was joined by Kanathala Das, a Christian by faith, and an employee in moulding a one-foot Ganesha idol to feed about 200 people.
Every year the size of the idol went up by one foot and this year it is six feet, with the youth promising to feed 2,500 people during the 11 days. People in the colony donate vegetables, rice and other groceries without even a formal request and some people provide the puja material or the shamiana required for the idol.
Taking a step further, the three contribute their time and creativity in moulding the idol without taking any help from professionals.
The trio has decided to distribute saplings to all the people interested in growing a tree and thus spread the green message. Last year when Anna Hazare’s wave swept the country, the trio made Ganesha idol look like a soldier and named it Sainik Vinayaka putting up a Tricolour in the Lord’s hands. Those wishing to take inspiration from the trio or support them in their effort could reach them over Phone No. 8977114564.
