Muslim sculptors in West Bengal craft statue of Lord Ram for Ayodhya temple

Two Muslim sculptors from the North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal have crafted idols of Lord Ram for the upcoming grand opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Mohammed Jamaluddin and his son Bittu have been engaged in creating these magnificent statues that will adorn the temple complex.

The father-son duo's work was discovered online, which led to them receiving an order from Ayodhya.

Jamaluddin said that despite the higher cost of fibre statues compared to clay, their durability and resistance to weather conditions make them a preferred choice for outdoor installations. A life-sized fibre idol can cost around Rs 2.8 lakh, but the meticulous craftsmanship involved justifies the price.

When asked if he was unsure about taking on the project, Jamaluddin said, "Religion is a personal thing. We have people of different religions in the country. The message is simple: in times of communalism, we all have to stay together. I felt happy making the statue of Lord Ram. This culture of brotherhood is my message as an artist."

"Not only of Ram, but I have also created huge sculptures of Maa Durga and Jagadhatri, which have gained a lot of popularity as well," he added.

He proudly stated that he has been making fibre sculptures of various Hindu deities for years and cherishes the cultural harmony they represent.

Bittu, who runs the workshop named after him, mentioned that it takes a team of 30 to 35 people and about one to one-and-a-half months to create a life-sized statue. The transportation of these statues to Uttar Pradesh can take up to 45 days, the young sculptor said.