Silchar based sculptor assigned with glorious purpose of carving out around 100 episodes of Ramayan for the Ram Katha Kunj project at Ayodha

Gaurav Das

Dec 10, 2023 - 11:05

In an ambitious undertaking for the Ram Katha Kunj project, Silchar-based sculptor Ranjeet Mandal has been entrusted with the monumental task of creating 100 episodes of the epic Ramayan. This elaborate project, initiated by the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust, spans from the birth of Lord Ram to his victory over the demon king Ravan and triumphant return to Ayodhya.

Currently immersed in his work at Ram Sewak Puram in Ayodhya, Mandal, along with his team of two or three assistants, has completed around 60 episodes. Each episode is meticulously crafted, featuring three to seven characters, all sculpted with precision and devotion.

Handpicked by the late VHP leader Ashok Singhal in 2013 for the Ram Katha Kunj project, Mandal expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is only due to Lord Ram’s blessings that I am involved with this project.”

Mandal utilizes steel wire and mesh to create the frame for each idol, reinforced with poured fortified cement, adhering to Singhal's directive of avoiding the use of molds in the entire project. The idols, representing various episodes of Ramayan, will be painted and displayed in separate glass boxes at the Ram Katha Kunj within the Ram Janmabhoomi premises.

The project, initiated in 2013, gained momentum after the Supreme Court’s decision on November 9, 2019, in favor of the Ram temple. Sharad Sharma, regional spokesperson for VHP, disclosed that the late Ashok Singhal played a pivotal role in conceiving and advancing the project.

Sharma recounted that Singhal, during a public event in Guwahati, was presented with a statue made of plaster of Paris. Intrigued by the sculptor's skill, Singhal inquired about Mandal and later summoned him to Ayodhya. This meeting led to the conceptualization of the Ram Katha Kunj project.

While Mandal anticipates completing the project in two or three years, his heartfelt dream is to have Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visit his workshop, marking a significant milestone in this monumental artistic endeavor. The Ram Katha Kunj, when illuminated at night, promises to provide a majestic aura to the entire campus, showcasing the timeless saga of Lord Ram's life and teachings.