Tirupati: Vinayaka idol makers are facing loss of profits since some time now. Most of the families in and around Tirupati have been depending on idol making for generations and their lives have remained the same.
Their children have no access to good education and most of them discontinue after primary school. They lament that even Lord Ganesha has not removed the obstacles in their life.
The idol makers, around 10 families, located in and around Tirupati, eke out a living by crafting idols. Earlier, they made idols from hay and mud and there was no investment except for colours. But the culture of making idols with Plaster of Paris which is environmentally harmful is a burden as all material has to be purchased. Many who came to purchase big idols go in for POP idols. Though mud idols are profitable to the makers and eco-friendly but do not attract buyers.
One family, headed by Dorai hailed from Tamil Nadu and settle here near Mangalam and has been crafting idols since 1980. His three sons Ravi, Sankar, Tirupal also joined him as they could not continue their education due to poverty. The three sons, all married work with their father for meagre profits.
“Sales were very dull for more than five years and also investment for making idols became high. I have been making idols for 30 years then why has the Lord turned against me?” he laments. Many idol makers are facing the same situation and are seeking support from banks and subsidy from government to overcome their financial struggle.
“We also wish to give good education to our children but we lack resources. Our children are keen to study but we are handicapped. In desperation they join the rest,” said Dorai's daughter-in-law Sridevi.
Still they have not lost hope. As their hands give shape to the remover of obstacles, colouring it brightly, a prayer that He blesses them pass their lips, day after day.
