DEBINA BOSE
He is a national and state award winner. His artistic skill has enthralled one and all in India and abroad. He spent 33 years of his life in giving the traditional art of rangoli a new twist. Meet Ram Dayal Lalawat, the 62-year-old man from Ujjain, who has more than a thousand varieties of handy rangoli patterns. His designs promise to relieve you from the strenuous work of creating rangolis for hours. Within seconds you will find your courtyard decorated with sparkling colorful patterns. Ram, who has come all the way from his native place to participate at the ongoing Toshali National Crafts Mela has set up his stall here and within a few days has attracted visitors to the fair with his displays of exclusive rangoli designs. SP caught up with the ‘rangoli’ man to talk about his colourful journey.
“My forefathers were in the business of creating and selling rangoli powder and through them I inherited the art. Earlier, the process of making the ingredients itself was strenuous. So subsequently I thought of relieving womenfolk and created plastic slabs and pierced designs on them.” said Ram.
When enquired about the process of making the designs, Ram explained, “Initially, the designs are made on PVC pipes and then we imprint them on plastic slabs. The plastic particles are imported from Bangalore after which they are dyed and accordingly shapes and colours are prepared.”
From rangoli pen, rollers, sieve to stickers, an assortment of rangoli handies are on display at his stall at Toshali Mela. An array of designs like Lakshmi charan, lotus and diyas is imprinted on the rangoli handies. The rangolis are made by filling the points on the plastic slabs and in seconds a beautiful figure takes shape. To explain to his customers the function of each item, Ram swiftly takes up each item and displays the designs on a black slab. Placing a sieve with ‘Subh Diwali’ imprinted on it, Ram sprinkles colorful rangoli powder and within seconds one can gauge the amazement in the audience in a hurry to purchase the objects.
Ram also proudly explained his achievements of gaining the love of the people in India and abroad. “There is not a single place in India where my items have not sold. Over the last 10 years I have visited places like London, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. I made a prolific business in these places especially London where the people love the colorful concept and many purchased my products,” quipped Ram.
In 1995 Ram received the National Award for his innovation in the art. A few years back he was felicitated with the state award in Madhya Pradesh by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. “I never thought such a mediocre person like me would get such great recognition,” stated Ram.
Ram has also set an affordable price for his items to ensure his customers do not return empty-handed. The plastic slabs are priced from Rs 25 to Rs 500 according to size and design. The rangoli sieve is priced at Rs 15O while the rangoli pens bearing colorful powders range from Rs 70 to Rs 100.
“I have never seen such a unique rangoli art. I purchased almost every variety and am eagerly waiting for Diwali to showcase the designs,” said Arpita, a customer at Ram’s stall.
“The purpose of rangoli is decoration, and it is thought to bring good luck. I hope my designs bring good luck to all my customers,” said the old man with a proud smile on his face.