Bengal's woman sculptor wants to pass on her legacy

Jamuna Sarkar is the only woman sculptor who makes clay statues of Gods in Malda city. She wants to pass on her expertise to the generations to come, but none appear to be interested in learning the art of idol making.

Malda(West Bengal): Jamuna Sarkar of West Bengal has shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first female idol maker of Malda city.

Sarkar from Munchia village is a multi-tasker, makes idols at a pace to meet the tight Durga puja deadlines. She also wants to train women in the art of idol making, which she hopes will eliminate poverty in the lives of many.

''There were financial constraints from the beginning. My Husband Anil Sarkar was in a profession, which was seasonal in nature. Hence, acute shortage of finances kept seeping the family, eventually, I stepped up to take up the lump of mud. Anil was only my tutor who taught me idol making,'' said Sakar.

The only thing she laments is, young people, do not want to learn the art of idol making.

“I have tried, but the kids are not interested. They have other things in mind, a career in other fields. They do not accept this profession as a lucrative career option. But, I have to find someone or a few of them to pass on my knowledge and I would be happy if the person turns out to be a girl or a woman,” she said.

Sarkar is determined to find people who will take through the generations the profession of sculpting idols.