Naik commended the artists for dedicating months to crafting Ganesha idols, frequently sacrificing personal and family commitments.

Karwar

Former MLA Rupali S. Naik said she would make a sincere effort to secure a monthly pension for Ganesha idol artists if her government comes to power, highlighting their contribution to religious and cultural traditions.

Naik was speaking at a felicitation ceremony for Ganesha idol artists held at Indirakanta Hall near Muralidhara Matha in Karwar in the presence of Swami Bhaveshananda of Ramakrishna Ashrama. She said society has a responsibility to recognise and honour artists who create idols worshipped by devotees.

Naik praised the artists for spending several months preparing Ganesha idols, often putting aside their personal and family commitments. She particularly appreciated those who use eco-friendly clay, saying their work promotes both artistic traditions and awareness about environmental conservation.

She said the artists who create idols of deities worshipped by people deserve respect and encouragement. Naik added that she would make efforts to introduce a monthly pension for Ganapati idol artisans when her government comes to power.

Swami Bhaveshananda stressed the importance of continuing to recognise and encourage artists who serve religious traditions through their skills. More than 100 artists from Karwar taluk were felicitated during the programme with shawls and mementoes.

Among those honoured were Madan Madkaikar, Gajanan Achari, Netaji Achari, Someshwar Achari, Raviraj Naik and Arun Malsekar. Child artists Rakshak Naik and Rishikesh were also felicitated.

Artists Madan Madkaikar and Sandeep Shetty expressed their gratitude, saying they were happy to receive recognition on such a large scale. Auditor Jagadish Birkodikar, advocate Sanjay Salunkhe, former City Municipal Council president Raviraj Ankolekar and Nagesh Kurudekar were also present at the event.