Henkel, Rotary give POP Ganesha Idols a second life

As part of the initiative, materials collected after Ganesh Visarjan 2025 at Nerul were responsibly diverted from land and water bodies and processed through an authorised recycling facility, with on-ground execution supported by NMMC officials. Over 1,000-kg of Plaster of Paris (POP) was recycled and repurposed into 300 study tables for students at an NMMC school in Digha, creating durable learning infrastructure while preventing environmental pollution.

Launched in 2024, Henkel and Rotary: Mother Nature & You, known as Project Harmony, is Henkel India’s flagship environmental CSR initiative. Built on collaboration and employee volunteering, the program brings together corporate expertise, civic support, and sustainability partners to deliver measurable, on-ground environmental and social impact.

S Sunil Kumar, country president – Henkel India, said, “Project Harmony reflects our commitment to translating sustainability into tangible outcomes. By converting POP Ganesha idols into learning assets, we are addressing urban waste challenges through circular, community-led action.”

This initiative was implemented in collaboration with the renowned Recycle Man of India, Dr Binish Desai, through Pushpam and NuoTerra, using its proprietary POP recycling technology. Beach Please India supported the collection process through its volunteer network led by Malhar Kalambe. The reclaimed material was processed and converted into learning assets through Pushpam’s women-led, hand-crafted manufacturing under NuoTerra’s process and quality oversight. The initiative respectfully reimagines the lifecycle of materials from sacred Ganesha idols, ensuring environmental responsibility while respecting cultural sensitivities.

Binish Desai, founder, NuoTerra, said, “With the right intent and innovation, idol immersion can create lasting value. Responsible recycling ensures devotion continues to benefit society long after the festival.”

The distribution ceremony took place on 22 January 2026 at Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Vidyalaya, Rabale, coinciding with Ganesh Jayanti, symbolising the transformation of devotion into purpose-driven educational support.

Harsh Makol, district governor 2025–26, Rotary International District 3142, added, “This initiative demonstrates how strong partnerships between Rotary, Henkel, civic authorities, and sustainability partners can collectively address environmental damage and deliver community impact.”