VR technology brings Dagadusheth Ganpati Aarti experience to soldiers at PRC
Around 45 soldiers at Khadki experience Ganesh Aarti through virtual reality
Pune : Around 45 soldiers undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC), Khadki, experienced the Aarti of the revered Shrimant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati through Virtual Reality (VR) technology, giving them a sense of being physically present before the deity during the festival. Dr. (Colonel) R. K. Mukherjee, Medical Director of the PRC was also present on the occasion and appreciated this initiative.
The soldiers who participated in the experience expressed their delight at being able to virtually witness the Aarti and said the technology gave them a feeling of being right in front of Bappa despite being unable to visit the temple physically.
“Ganeshotsav is a time when people come together to seek Bappa’s blessings, and we wanted to ensure that those who cannot physically be present are not left out of this experience. The response from the soldiers at PRC was deeply encouraging. It is extremely satisfying to see technology being used to create an emotional and spiritual connection and bring the Aarti closer to people,” said Shalvi Parge of Qubit.
Qubit has been creating the VR experience of the Shrimant Dagadusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust for the past 10 years, making this the 11th year of the initiative. The project uses specialised 360-degree cameras to record the Aarti performed on the first day of the Ganesh festival. The footage is subsequently converted into a VR application, enabling people to experience the Aarti virtually.
The initiative has previously reached several sections of society, including hospitalised patients, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, who may find it difficult to visit the temple during the festival.