Bhubaneswar: Penury can't throttle the artistic creation. Meet Ashwini Bag and Nagarjun Bhoi of Sundargarh and Puri district respectively, who have epitomised this saying by religiously following their passion despite facing all kinds of adversities.
Ashwini, a resident of Haldia Dafai village under Biramitrapur Tehsil of Sundargarh district is a painter and sculptor by profession. But his artistic creativity is not only limited to painting life with brushes, but he is a multi-faceted artist, who has written and directed hundreds of songs in Sambalpuri and Hindi.
This apart, he is also an expert in playing music instruments and whenever he gets leisure from his painting and sculpting, he uses it to infuse magic into music.
According to Rizwana Parveen, a local resident, "Ashwini is the pride of Haldia Dafai. Not only is he a good human being but also a brilliant painter, sculptor musician, writer and social worker."
On his inspiring story, Ashwini says that there are many artists who have brilliant talents but they remain unnoticed due to various reasons. If the government supports the artists then, they too can excel in their field, he adds.
Similar is the story of Nagarjuna Bhoi, a resident of Konark area in Puri district. A daily labourer by profession, Nagarjuna has an enviable talent in carving life out of a piece of wood.
Being the sole bread winner for his family, he works in field and as labourer to support his home. However, the strain of responsibility has not deterred him from pursuing his passion.
After returning from work, Nagarjun devotes his time to carve different objects from wood with his limited tools.
Nagarjuna mother, Phula Bhoi, said that due to poverty Nagarjun could not take any training and was forced to work as labourer for their livelihood. She also said due to the unavailability of markets for these items, Nagarjuna either keeps them in their home or donates them to his friends.
Asked about it, Nagarjuna has said that if government provides him financial support, he will pursue his passion and make a career in it.