Cuttack: Chittaranjan Bhoi from Odisha’s Cuttack can’t wait to interact with PM Narendra Modi on the monthly progamme ‘Mann Ki Baat.’ He recently received a call from the Prime Minister’s office for the same.
Chittaranjan, popularly known as Kanhu Bhai, excels in giving shape to coconut shells.
“I have got one verification call from the PM’s office. But the date has not yet been finalised. It will be a proud moment for me,” said the craftsman from Kandarpur.
“People usually throw coconut shells. I collect them and create artefacts. I first made buttons out of coconut shells on an experimental basis. Then I made teacups and other things,” he said.
“Once I am done with giving a shape to the shells, I polish the final product using sandpaper. It is my passion to make crafts out of coconut shells. I have been it for the last 10 years,” he added.
“I have a four-member family. I make a living out of my creativity. Initially, those close to me used to make fun of me but now, they have changed their opinion and are in fact, appreciative,” said Chittaranjan.
The high point in his life was when the West Indian cricket team members sipped tea from cups made by him.
“The West Indian cricket team players sipped tea in coconut shells cup, made by me, during their visit to Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium for a match in 2019. I had provided 200 cups at that time for the match. It was a proud day for me and I was very satisfied,” he added.
“I had a passion for painting since childhood. Even as a child, I used to paint on walls during marriage and thread ceremonies. Now, I am also doing wall paintings in school, streets and temples, and on hoardings too,” said Chittaranjan.
Besides, Chittaranjan teaches painting to the children of his area free of cost every Sunday.
“I take their class from 7 am to 9 am and 9 am to 11 am on Sundays. I have had to discontinue them due to the pandemic,” he said.
“I want to make art alive in any form. I will be able to churn out more artwork with the help of a machine to cut the coconut shells. But I don’t have the means to buy one. I have to do all my work manually,” said Chittaranjan.
