Hands that give herbs a new form

Lohar turned down a promotion to pursue his dream of showcasing his artworks abroad

When he was a six-year-old, he saw tree herbs resembling the structure of a human body. Now at the age of 52, he has a stock of many such structures that he has made from herbs.

The school teacher-turned artisan Pawan Lohar has a dream of showcasing his artworks abroad. His daughter, who studies at Santiniketan in Bolpur, has approached a scientist who offered assistance to Lohar.

"I was promoted to the post of head teacher at my school. But I sought demotion because I want a transfer to Santiniketan. I will meet the scientist who has agreed to help me go abroad to showcase my artwork," Lohar, a teacher of Byapanjuri Primary school in Khuamusina village in Bishnupur block, Bankura, told The Sunday Express.

Asked why he chose such a field of work, Lohar said, "My parents were illiterate and there was no environment of learning in my house. But they admitted me to a school from where I passed Madhyamik examination. When I was a child, I saw herbs that looked like human body. I thought structures can be made of herbs. I met a man in Santiniketan who told me that only a handful people can think out-of-the-box. After passing Madhyamik, I started collecting herbs having shapes of various articles. Since then I have been doing this."

Lohar's artworks have been displayed at various places. "The residents of villages located within 20 kilometers of my house know me. When they spot herbs of different shapes, they inform me. I collect the herbs and give them a shape," the artisan said.

"I have made more than 100 structures. They include human chain, Durga and Ganesh idols and many more. At present I am making 50 more structures," Lohar said.

... contd.

ALSO READ

To clear dues, Shahi Imam seeks Jama Masjid title transfer

Lottery system for admission not feasible, DU tells SRCC

Binge Buying

Quick and Easy