Khandapara: Born into a family of sculptors, Saroj Kumar Nayak was inclined towards art and sculpture at a tender age. He has now carved a niche for himself with his tremendous contribution to stone carving.
Born in Atibudhipatna village under this block in Nayagarh district, Nayak was first attracted to sculpting watching his father Kishore Chandra Nayak and his uncle Harihara Nayak, two well known sculptors of the area.
When Saroj was in Class II, his inherent talent was first noticed. He made impressive paintings and was appreciated by his friends and teachers.
He used to spend most of his day watching his father and uncle who were his source of inspiration. Saroj himself was unaware when his interest in art had turned into passion.
Seeing his enthusiasm towards art, his father got him admitted to the State Institute of Arts and Crafts in Bhubaneswar after his matriculation where he was fully trained in stone sculpting and painting.
After three years of training, he returned to his village and started his own art and craft workshop. Now, he is a well-known sculptor of his area. Besides sculpting and painting, he designs saris, clothes, and furniture.
Saroj is also equally deft at handling clay, soap, wood and stone. All the year round, he is seen busy with delivering orders. His designs on saris and dresses are in high demand in the locality.
However, his talent is yet to be noticed by any business house. Nor, for that matter, is it recognised by any government institution.
Taking advantage of his talent are middlemen from Bhubaneswar who are buying his products at lower prices and selling them to various business establishments and companies at exorbitant prices.
“If the government provides me any patronage, it will help me immensely in taking my art to other parts of the state and the country,” Saroj says, adding that his present financial condition is not so good but somehow runs his family.
He has won medals from the State Art Research and Training Council and Bolangir-based Astabhuja Sahitya Anusthan.
PNN
