Purusottampur: Their birth in a remote village and their little access to the outside couldn’t hold their talent back. Two boys of inaccessible Bhatakumarada in this block in Ganjam district have overcome all hurdles to showcase their talent.
Even as they are not aware of who is Sudarshan Patnaik, the Class VIII students of Narasingh Panda High School might soon give the renowned sand sculptor a run for his money with their wizardry.
It is rightly said opportunities are usually disguised as hard work. It is the hard work and talent of Ritesh Behera and Narayan Maharana that has made their teachers and family members proud.
The duo have left everyone amazed with their sand sculpture of Lord Jagannath during a district level junior Red Cross training camp, held on the premises of the school. Visitors and teachers could not help praising both the students. Interestingly, even their parents weren’t aware of their talent.
“At first we mistook it as a work of an invited artist. But when we came to know that two students had built it, we were astonished,” said some visitors.
The use of colour in making the sculpture needs special mention. “Their sculpture is in no way inferior as beginners. Use of colourful sand is praiseworthy,” some teachers of the school maintained.
“Most students have one or the other hidden talent. Just what they need is an opportunity. These two students have talents. If they get any assistance from the government, they can hone their skills and at the same time make the state proud,” observed some visitors.
When asked, the two boys said that they often made sand sculptures while playing in sand, but had no idea about what sand sculpture was. They said they were happy that their work gained praise and would make better sculptures if formal training is provided.
The school principal said he would help the boys nurture their talent by taking them to various competitions and giving them more exposure.
PNN