Guntur sets world record as 25,000 students craft clay Ganesha idols together

Guntur has secured a place in the World Book of Records, London, after 25,000 students from 55 schools simultaneously crafted eco-friendly clay Ganesha idols as part of the municipal corporation's Green Ganesh programme on Friday.

The exercise, held under the Nava Guntur initiative, was monitored from a central point at NTR Stadium. GMC Commissioner K. Mayur Ashok took part along with MLAs Galla Madhavi, Naseer Ahmed and Boorla Ramanjaneyulu, and Andhra Pradesh State Technology Services chairman Mannava Mohan Krishna.

Eliaz, Joint Secretary of the World Book of Records, London, announced the record and handed over the registration certificate. He noted that the earlier mark stood at 8,750 participants making clay idols, while the Guntur effort raised the benchmark to 25,000 students working at the same time.

Speaking at the venue, Mr. Ashok said the programme was intended to teach children that festivals can be celebrated without harming the environment. The 25,000 clay idols, he added, would help keep plaster-of-Paris and chemically coloured idols out of as many households.

A sand Ganesha idol, a clay idol and a painting were displayed at the stadium as special attractions.

The Commissioner thanked educational institutions and officials of the GMC and the Education Department for making the programme a success. He said the civic body would keep pursuing environmental initiatives with public participation, including tree plantation drives and action against single-use plastic.