Dikhyaa Mohanty
When did you realize you were interested in sculpture? How did you get started?
At the age of 9 and a half, I began sculpting. At the age of 11, I was confident with my sculpting skills. Gradually, my interest turned to new patterns of work, and I am here today as a result. In Puri, I lived near Pathura Sahi, and that is when I learned the basics of sculpture. I am 83 years old and I also run an institution at Puri. That’s how everything started back then.
Sculpting is not an easy task. Was it difficult to detail and finish it? How did you become confident in it?
By the age of 13, my hand had a complete grasp of the work, I was confidently finishing the finishing, but I knew how much detail to add. After that, I knew exactly what the finished piece should look like. Since then, I have never stopped or looked back. With time, people began appreciating my work and feeling happy. I received a lot of orders for sculpted pieces. Without the support of my family, I would not have been able to achieve this.
What was your childhood like?
I am the child of Lord Jagannath, born and raised in Puri, Kumundi Shahi. It was there that I first learned everything I know about sculpting and worshipped my work. My branch in Bhubaneswar has turned into a museum where I can store my work completely and respect it.
Could you please tell me a little about your family?
My family has now settled here in Bhubaneswar, including my wife, sons, daughter, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Everyone looks up to me on my good and bad days, and I feel immensely lucky to have everyone around me. In addition, my family is always supportive of what I do and what I plan.
You were awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, and now the Padma Vibhushan in 2021. How do you feel?
Artists who have been awarded the Padma Vibhushan are expected to take on additional responsibilities. It has always been my ambition to take art and sculpting to the people and introduce them to the essence of sculpting and true art. I will always strive to learn how the new generation is taking care of and respecting the work. It will be possible to reconstruct monuments like Konark, etc., as well as temples such as Lingaraj, Puri, etc. if art is taken care of.
From Odisha to Rashtrapati Bhavan, how was the journey? How did it feel?
To be honest, all members of my family were present when I received the award at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. As my daughter lives in Delhi, I was able to access the place more easily. After 36 years, the Padma awards are back, and everyone was extremely excited and happy for that reason. Everyone congratulated me, including the prime minister, railway minister, defense minister, and many Delhi organizations. I was honored by many organizations for my work and my supporters.
Can sculpting flourish in Odisha?
There are possibilities, as people in Odisha accept this art form and even pay for it. But I am always considering how we can improve the art. Keeping this work alive is the sole responsibility of the Odisha government. I am available to assist the Odisha government with any planning and discussion. If it is necessary. As long as it’s taken seriously, it’ll be 100% successful in achieving more Padma awards. We will discuss proud and proud Odisha where art is respected outside the country. Massive authentic art is a hallmark of Odisha. The involvement of the Odisha government is therefore crucial.
Will you address the new generation of young people who are interested in becoming sculptors?
Every time, I wish their parents would support them no matter what their dreams may be. We don’t get enough money if we point to an economic perception, but we get enough respect and be able to give and be remembered. Money is also an important thing as they too have a family, but it always should be secondary. In the end, however, it is the support of the family that can bring success to an artist.
How did you come up with SUDARSHAN – ART, AND CRAFTS and when did you plan it?
I have learned how to cope with difficulties. A lot of struggle was involved. In many ways, the sculptors have also demeaned me, disrespected me. After re-evaluating my past, I had an idea to create an institute where students can gain a complete understanding of the art and the process behind it. The Odisha government has my heartfelt gratitude. For negotiating a price with me and supporting my work. Additionally, people liked looking at my work and buying it, so I created a complete institute and museum where people can buy as well as visualize the entire beautiful place covered with a mighty garden.
Would you be so kind as to keep your word to our readers of the Interview Times?
My thanks go out to the interview times for having an amazing conversation with me. With that, I would like to say that everyone should respect art and culture, as Odisha is a diverse state with many different arts. There are patta to bandha arts, Chitra Kala to Baunsa Kala, terracotta to other works. Interview times should keep readers up-to-date on new art forms and write-ups on Odisha’s delicate art sculpting. Thank you for reading this patiently.
Article Written By Prisita Das
