Raghunathpur: Even as mud sculptors are a most sought after lot ahead of every festive season across the country, the craft is on the verge of disappearance here in Jagatsinghpur district.
The artisans here said lack of interest among youths, dearth of raw materials and lack of adequate government backing are killing the craft in this block.
However, Sharat Chandra Barik of Tanra village has managed to survive against all odds.
Apart from studies, Sharat was equally good in giving shapes to mud and making idols of gods and goddesses like Ganesh and Saraswati since his childhood.
He wanted to make a career in idol-making after completing higher secondary education. Sharat started making small idols in his home. Gradually, he went on to make a name for himself in the area and expanded his business.
At present, Sharat makes idols of Ganesh, Saraswati, Kartikeswar, Khudurukuni, Radhakrushna, Laxmi, Durga, Kali and Biswakarma. He supplies them to various school, colleges and pandals in the block.
Besides, he visits far-off places to make idols. Apart from four assistants, his father Nura, brother Purushottam and mother Malati also help him in his job.
Sharat has been in this business for 15 years. “I have got a lot of recognition because of my skill,” Sharat said, adding, the awards and citations he received at block, district and state levels have only pushed him to do better.
Though he carries out his profession with lots of passion, lack of profitability often dampens his spirit, the artisan admitted.
The small idols are sold at Rs 2,500 while customers don’t pay more than Rs 10,000 for a big-sized idol, Sharat said.
Scarcity of raw material and rising cost of idol-making tools have reduced his profit margin these days, he added.
Due to these reasons, many have moved away from this profession while the youths are reluctant to learn the ropes of the craft which has pushed it into a dying state, observed Sharat.
His father Nura said a few artisans have managed to continue with the trade due to the support of their families.
There is a need to hold workshops in every block for the survival of idol-making craft, he pointed out.
The profession can generate employment opportunities if the administration conducts training programmes and offers financial assistance for the youths, Nura further said. PNN
