Stories
Blind Sculptor Crafts Lifelike Durga, Ganesh Idols with "Inner Eye" in UP Village
- •Ram Pal, a 50-year-old blind artisan from West Bengal, travels to Baburhawa village in Basti district, UP, for six months annually to create Durga and Ganesha idols.
- •Born blind, Ram Pal relies on his "inner eye" and tactile sense to sculpt remarkably lifelike idols, believing the forms are already present in his mind and soul.
- •He belongs to a family of potters and artisans, making 40-50 idols yearly with family assistance, and uses Asian Paints for the final touches.
- •The family's livelihood depends on idol-making, though earnings are often insufficient, and they also craft earthen utensils and toys in Kolkata.
- •Ram Pal's unique artistry earned him the Asian Paints "Sharad Samman" in 2020 and was featured in a documentary film, bringing wider recognition to his craft.
Key Questions Answered
Ram Pal is a 50-year-old blind sculptor from West Bengal who crafts lifelike idols of Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha in Uttar Pradesh's Basti district. Born blind in both eyes, he relies on his inner eye, measuring curves and proportions with his fingers using techniques passed down from his father, Vinayak Krishna Pal.
In 2020, Ram Pal received wider recognition when Asian Paints honoured him with its “Sharad Samman” award. Additionally, a documentary film was produced to showcase his remarkable craft and share his work with audiences across the country.
Ram Pal spends about six months every year in the Chhawani area of Baburhawa village in Uttar Pradesh creating Durga and Ganesha idols for the festive season. Once the festivities conclude, he and his family return to Kolkata, West Bengal, to spend the remaining six months making earthen utensils, toys, and other clay articles.
