Ramesh Shet Mandrekar preserves 55-year tradition of idol-making

At 75, Ramesh Shet Mandrekar of Deulwada, Mandrem continues his family's 55-year tradition of making clay Ganesha idols, a craft learnt from his grandfather and father. With around 10 artisans and family members, he makes 700-800 idols annually without using plaster of Paris.

Shet Mandrekar expressed concern over the growing use of plaster of Paris idols and called for action to protect traditional clay idol-makers. He urged the youth to preserve the ancestral art and appealed to devotees to choose eco-friendly clay idols.