Sangareddy: Kangti’s Yogi Ganesh Association combines Ganesh festivities with social initiatives

The Yogi Ganesh Association of Kangti, founded in 1995, has combined Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations with social initiatives. Inspired by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the association supports needy families, organises chess tournaments and promotes environmental protection and youth development.

Sangareddy: Inspired by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who transformed the Ganesh festival into a powerful social and national platform to unite the people during the Indian freedom struggle, the Yogi Ganesh Association of Kangti (YGA), founded in 1995, has been engaging in various social activities apart from organising sports competitions during the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities every year.

Rather than limiting the celebrations to traditional rituals, the association was engaging in socially impactful programmes during the nine-day festival.
They YGA provided financial support to the underprivileged family of Subhash, a dedicated association member who passed away prematurely due to sickness in 2020, by paying them Rs one lakh. It had stopped collecting forced donations (chandas) from citizens, but chose to mobilise the funds by successfully organising lucky draws. They had started organising a chess tournament to foster a sporting spirit and enhance logical thinking among the youth.

---

A huge number of children from across the district were participating in the chess tournament. Speaking to ‘Telangana Today’, President of YGA R Sathish said that the children stopped playing any kinds of sports as they remain addicted to mobile phones. Beginning with chess, he said that they wanted to organise more sports championships in the coming days.
By drawing inspiration from Tilak’s vision, the Yogi Ganesh Association continued to champion environmental protection by installing clay Ganeshas occasionally, supporting the needy, and youth development, for which they have been earning widespread praise from villagers and surrounding areas. EOM