On August 12, 2025, the ‘Baithka Hall’ of Maa Danteshwari Herbal Group premises witnessed a historic and deeply emotional moment when renowned Bastar-Kanker-based woodcraft artist Padma Shri Ajay Mandavi, celebrated for his innovative experiments and national as well as international recognition in the field of woodcraft, presented an extraordinary Ganesh carving to Dr. Rajaram Tripathi, acclaimed environmental warrior, pioneer of the ‘New Green Revolution,’ eminent organic farming expert, and seven-time recipient of the ‘Best Farmer of India’ award.
This wooden masterpiece is carved in such a way that Lord Ganesh’s sacred mantra forms the intricate lines of the idol itself. From afar, it appears as a graceful Ganesh idol; up close, the entire mantra emerges with striking clarity. Padma Shri Ajay Mandavi described it not merely as a work of art, but as a vessel of spiritual energy. He expressed hope that this spiritual power would further inspire Maa Danteshwari Herbal Group to expand its service to Bastar, Chhattisgarh, and the nation.
In keeping with Bastar’s tradition, Dr. Tripathi honoured Padma Shri Mandavi with a ceremonial shawl and a gift of Bastar’s famous honey. Dr. Tripathi remarked, “Ajay Mandavi’s art is the living voice of Bastar’s soul and India’s cultural heritage, blending tradition and innovation in rare harmony.”
The event was attended by Maa Danteshwari Herbal Group Director Anurag Tripathi, Sampada Social Welfare Institution President Jasmati Neta, Mission Leader Shankar Nag, Madhuri Dewangan, and other distinguished guests.
Accompanying Padma Shri Ajay Mandavi was a delegation of young social leaders from Delhi and Uttarakhand. Among them was Aakash Mandavi, son of Padma Shri Ajay Mandavi, an accomplished Sports Massage Therapy specialist with the Sports Authority of India, Patiala. Trained in Chiropractic Therapy and currently studying Nadi Vigyan at the Ayush Darpan Foundation, he works at the unique intersection of sports science, traditional medicine, chiropractic care, and community service.
Dr. Mohit Dhingra, a graduate of Rishikul Ayurvedic College, Haridwar, is presently pursuing his postgraduate studies in Ayurveda. Ankit Shah, founder of ‘Prakritik India,’ specialises in bamboo-based training, landscaping, and plant propagation, contributing significantly to sustainable development initiatives.
The event stood as a symbol of the triple harmony of Bastar’s art, organic agriculture, and community service, demonstrating that when creativity and service walk together, society experiences a new wave of inspiration.
