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Arun

"Namastee! My friends, it's wonderful to know you all through Novica, the bridge that connects you and me. I come from the colorful city of Jaipur. My childhood was not a lavish one, since my father was a mere government employee with a merger income. This prevent me from studying further, but it did not make me a smaller being. My father has a big heart and always helped others in need… not financially but in deeds. We are five siblings and I am the eldest. Though my father could not give us the best of life's material things, he gave us an abundance of love and care.

"I studied until the 10th standard. While I was a child, I used to spend a lot of time with my maternal uncle. He was in the field of wood carving and I think I was inclined early on toward this craft. But I never actually realized this until I grew up and joined him.

"Before getting a government job, my father was also in this field for a short stint of time and I think this has helped me come closer to my dream.

"All my four maternal uncles are faring well in this field. Since I couldn't continue my studies, I joined my uncle in his workshop when I was 15 and started to learn fulltime. My uncle was kind enough to teach me the craft and pay me a salary as well. I worked with him for ten years. Then in 2004, I parted with him because I wanted to start on my own. I wanted to practice my own creativity and indeed I am enjoying every bit of it.

"Sculpting deities gives me a sense of satisfaction because I feel closer to each god. With three other artisans who assist me, I create an array of wooden sculptures, including all the Hindu deities as well as other decorative items. We pay great attention to quality, like choosing the right kind of wood, sculpting from the right angle and other nitty-gritty details. At the end of the day, what really matters is that people appreciate each piece of art. If they do, I feel I have been successful.

"One of my brothers is working with me. He finished his master's degree in art but did not get a job, so he joined me. My other brother is a football player while my sisters are happily married now."