GUWAHATI: A Muslim idol-maker who dropped out of school has become a symbol of communal harmony in Darrang and Udalguri districts of
Assam.
Hasem Ali
, a resident of Dalgaon in Darrang district, who had to discontinue his education because of poverty, has emerged as one of the most sought after idol artists in recent times.
A devout Muslim, Ali has been making idols and designing puja pandals for a couple of years now. The 45-year-old artist, who quit his school after failing the Class X board examination, has never received any formal training in idol-making or designing. "But I was fascinated when I used to stand beside local Kalumoni Dey, a local artist, and watch him paint. Gradually, I tried my hand at the art and it came off well. Kalumoni-da was also impressed and appreciated my efforts," says Ali. "I feel extremely happy when people appreciate my efforts. At the end of the day, my art is a gift from god," he adds, having just finished offering his evening namaz.
Artist started with Ravana figurinesThe artist from Darrang, who has an unflinching belief in the equality of all religions, is happy to set an example for others. "When people say my art and I stand as a symbol of communal harmony, I can't ask for more. Though they are known by different names, all religions are the same," Ali says.
Recounting how he found his calling as an idol-maker, he adds, "It all began in 2016 when I made figurines of Ravana during the Raas Festival at Kharupetia. Buoyed by the appreciation I got from spectators, I couldn't resist the temptation of trying my hand at making
Durga idols
next year. Though I was a little reluctant at first, thinking people from my community might take offence, all the artists at my workplace managed to convince me. Since then, everyone had appreciated my work and nobody has discriminated against me because of my religious beliefs."
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