Berhampur: The art of wood carving has bestowed name and fame to a youth of Odisha. He has so far come up with unique pieces of works through wood carving and also earned accolades. With the help of this art, the youth not only has become self-sufficient but also provided source of income to a few others.
Meet Arun Kumar Sahu from Kanteikoli village in Hinjilicut Block of Ganjam district. He is the son of Bhaskar Sahu, a carpenter.
Arun had huge passion to visit historical places to watch the monuments across the world. However, perhaps due to lack of money his dream could not be fulfilled. Yet, he did not got disheartened.
Earlier, he used to help his father in his works when he found a way to fulfil his dream. He started collecting photos and carved wood to portray these photos out of waste woods. These creations earned him accolades from the locals. It was the beginning of his career as a wood carver.
The unique creations of wood craft that he made though earned him fame still it was too difficult to run the family. However, gradually he started to earn out of wood carving. He takes part in the Pallishree Mela from where he gets some money.
Arun has so far made wood carving arts on Taj Mahal, Odisha Assembly and Hanuman Chalisa in both Odia and Hindi, India Gate, Dhauli stupa, Bande Utkala Janani and many more.
During the tough days of Corona pandemic he started a training centre to teach the art to others. These days about 17 boys and girls are getting training on wood carving from him free of cost. Rather, they are getting their remuneration for their works.
Arun has presented his wood carving creations to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and for which he earned great appreciation.
Asked about his aim, Arun said that he is trying to popularise the art of wood carving in and out of the country.
Ms Kalinga