Students Craft Terracotta Durga for Tribal Celebration

Three undergraduate journalism students have created a special 1.5ft terracotta Durga idol to celebrate the festival with underprivileged communities. Vivek Sardar, Priyangshu Ghosh, and Rupam Mistri from Manindra Chandra College embarked on a journey from Kolkata to Jhanti Pahari in Bankura. Their mission is to conduct Durga Puja celebrations with over 250 tribal women and children at Laxmi Murmu School.

Lacking formal idol-making training, the students utilized online tutorials and advice from sculpture students. They sourced terracotta clay online and sought guidance from an art collective in Behala for a refined finish. This initiative, supported by departmental efforts to aid marginalized sections for 15 years, also includes distributing essential winter wear, children's books, notebooks, and pencils, alongside arranging festive meals. The project was realized through dedicated student fundraising, including personal savings and contributions from alumni, faculty, and well-wishers worldwide. The students expressed a desire to bring the festive spirit and their handcrafted idol to the tribal community, enhancing their Durga Puja experience.