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Journalism of Courage
CHANDIGARH, Oct 6: So what if the Japanese have their cyberpet to dote upon? For us Indians its just the right time to resurrect our mythical characters, remote controlled.
Well, you can8217;t make them walk or talk, but this Dussera, you can set Ravana and his brothers ablaze, at the touch of a button! Unbelievable? Ask Moinuddin Painter, he8217;ll make you believe.One of the many behind the giant effigies Chandigarh sets fire to every Dashami, Moinuddin from Meerut literally has history in his hands. An effigy and tableau-maker, he pursues a profession passed on from father to son since Mughal Badshah Jehangir ruled over Hindustan.
Moinuddin has a 15-member team with Jiya, his son, as the manager. Currently it8217;s a rush for the DDussera-Day, with eight effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkarna to be readied.
And the effigies made by Moinuddin and Co go places 8212; Kashmir, Mumbai, Himachal Pradesh 8212; Ravana effigies has seen them all.
So how does Moinuddin feel, carrying on a tradition that8217;s not part of the religion he practices. Talk about unity in diversification when Jiya interjects: quot;Hamara to sara hi kaam mandiron ka hai, dharmik hai. Itna kamate nahin, lekin sukoon hai, hunar hai.quot; All the work we do is religious. Not much money but there8217;s satisfaction, there8217;s skill.quot; At the rate of Rs 150 per foot an effigy costs about Rs 25,000 to 30,000 8212; marginal profit for the artistes as the cost includes that of the raw material and labour.
But that does not bother Moinuddin as it8217;s the wish to experience a new city that brings him here.
