Honors & Legacy
From newspaper clippings and civic cups to Loksatta honours — a record of Babi Bandekar’s craft recognised across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
First prize, Mumbai Division (1992)
Orient–Samana Ganesh Darshan
For the 12-foot idol crafted for Sahyadri Krida Mandal, Chembur, during the public Ganeshotsav centenary year. The award was presented by Shiv Sena chief Shri Thackeray.
Best Ganesh Sculptor (1992)
Mayor's Cup — Chembur
The Chembur division Mayor’s Cup for outstanding idol-maker was conferred by Mayor Shri Chandrakant Handore, recognising Babi Bandekar’s mastery in the same celebrated season.
Best Sculptor — Vashi to Panvel (1999)
Girnar Loksatta Ganesh Darshan
First prize for best sculptor for the idol of Prerna Seva Mandal, Sector 6, Vashi, Navi Mumbai — citation, emblem, and cash award.
Best Sculptor & Best Idol (2018)
Loksatta Ganeshotsav Idol Competition
The 'Navsala Pavnara Maharaja' idol by Sculptor Babi Bandekar's Panchratnas for Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Sector 17, Vashi, won Best Idol and Best Sculptor from the Navi Mumbai region. Presented by Vaishali Samant at Ravindra Natya Mandir.
"Newspapers noted his skill; the city remembered his clay."
The Legacy Continues