Odisha Artist Creates Magic On Wood, Carves Portrait Of Ganjam Collector

Berhampur: Arun Sahu, a 32-year-old artist in Ganjam district, presented Collector Vijay Amrit Kulange a portrait carved in wood on Monday.

“Vijay Amrit Kulange is a people-friendly collector and his personality inspired me to carve his portrait,” said Arun, who hails from Kantei Koli village.

Arun has also carved two copies of Hanuman Chalisa in wood and intends to present them to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

According to the artist, each Hanuman Chalisa measures 10.5 x 9 x 2.5 cubic inches and there is a carved image of Lord Hanuman on the front page to make it more attractive. “It took me one month to carve the two Hanuman Chalisa in ‘Gambhari’ wood. I am eagerly waiting to present them to the PM and CM in due course,” he added.

Arun has been working on wood carvings for the past 10 years. Earlier, he had also made sculptures of Taj Mahal, India Gate, Gateway of India, Eiffel Tower and many others, drawing applause for his artistic skills from all who have seen them.

Arun credits his fascination for wood carvings to his genes. His father, Bhaskar Sahu, is a carpenter and makes wooden furniture for a livelihood.

Arun dropped out of college and joined his father in running the family business. Bhaskar too has been guiding his son about wood carvings from the beginning.