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Blind Sculptor Creates Durga and Ganesh Idols by Touch
Ram Pal is an artisan who makes clay idols even though he was born blind.
He says he can imagine the shapes and proportions in his mind.
He uses his fingers to shape idols of Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha.
Each year, he and his family travel from West Bengal to a village in Uttar Pradesh to make the idols.
They make about 40 to 50 idols with help from family members.
Pal learned the craft from his father.
His family also makes other clay items for their livelihood.
In 2020, Asian Paints recognized his work with an award.
A documentary also showed people how he makes the idols.
Ram Pal, a 50-year-old artisan born blind, makes clay idols using his hands and mental images.
He and his family travel from West Bengal to Baburhawa village in Uttar Pradesh for about six months each year.
With family assistance, he makes around 40 to 50 Durga and Ganesha idols annually.
The craft was passed down by his father, and his wife works alongside him.
Asian Paints honoured Pal with its Sharad Samman in 2020, and a documentary featured his work.
- Who
- Ram Pal, a 50-year-old artisan born blind, and members of his family.
- What
- Pal makes about 40 to 50 clay idols of Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha each year.
- Where
- Baburhawa village in the Chhawani area of Basti district, Uttar Pradesh.
- When
- The family spends about six months each year in Baburhawa before the festive season; the report is dated October 3.
- Why
- Idol-making is the family’s livelihood and provides idols for the festive season.
Key facts
- Artisan
- Ram Pal, 50, born blind in both eyes
- Annual production
- Around 40 to 50 Durga and Ganesha idols
- Seasonal location
- Baburhawa village, Basti district, Uttar Pradesh
- Time spent there
- About six months each year
- Family craft
- Pal learned idol-making from his father, Vinayak Krishna Pal
- Recognition
- Asian Paints awarded him the Sharad Samman in 2020
- Other work
- The family makes earthen utensils, toys, and other clay articles
Quotes
Ram Pal
Blind artisan who creates Durga and Ganesha idols
“People see my idols with a spiritual feeling. They believe that such work by someone who cannot see is possible only through the eyes of the heart.”
theprint.in
“I do not need my eyes to make the idols. Their form and proportions are already present in my mind and soul.”
theprint.in
Sources
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