The Little Artist: Hareshwar Roy
The Little Artist: Hareshwar Roy
It is a story from a while ago. In the hilly region of Kaimur, there was a small village of stone-breaking laborers named Guptagram. A middle-aged laborer named Shivkumar lived there. He had a son named Vittu. Although Vittu was disabled in one leg, he was extremely intelligent and soft-spoken. Everyone in his village was very fond of him.
At a short distance from the village was a natural cave. Crowds of tourists visited it throughout the year. Every day, right next to the main entrance of that cave, Vittu stayed busy chiseling and sculpting stones with a chisel and hammer. Dedication, hard work, and continuous practice turned Vittu into a fine sculptor. Gradually, his art refined so much that the sculptures he made began to look lifelike. Now, he started getting a decent price for them as well. Most of Vittu's sculptures were based on life in the hills.
Once, it so happened that a tourist's eyes fell upon the artistic sculptures displayed at the cave entrance. The tourist was amazed. In fact, that tourist was an expert in the art of sculpting. His eyes landed on Vittu, who was absorbed in sculpting a statue of a child laborer. The tourist approached the little artist and, drawing his attention, said, "Son, what is your name? Did you make these statues arranged in rows?"
Hearing two questions at once, Vittu paused his chisel and hammer. He gestured for the tourist to sit on a stone. Mistaking him for a customer, Vittu said politely, "Sir, my name is Vittu, and I have made all these statues."
"Son, who is your master (guru)? What is his name?" the tourist asked, taking the conversation further.
"Practice and hard work, Sir," Vittu replied briefly.
"Son Vittu, I am a sculptor myself. I also have good knowledge of sculpture. Based on that, I am telling you that you are a top-tier sculptor. In front of you, I feel small," said the tourist, pulling out a beautiful statue from his large bag to show him.
"Sir, it is very generous of you to praise me like this," said Vittu.
"No, Vittu, no. This isn't just false praise. It is the truth," said the tourist.
He continued, "Vittu, an exhibition of sculptures is going to be organized in the neighboring town next week. Well-known sculptors from all across the country will showcase their best artworks in this exhibition. I have come to participate in this event myself. I want you to display your best creation in this exhibition as well."
"Sir, what will I have to do for this?" Vittu asked enthusiastically.
"Nothing, son. You don't have to do anything. I will arrange everything. Just keep your best artwork ready. I will come to pick you up at the right time," said the tourist warmly.
"Thank you, Sir, thank you very much," Vittu said with words full of gratitude.
The exhibition took place at the scheduled time. The judges carefully examined all the sculptures. The statue that secured the top spot was that of a child laborer. In that sculpture, all the bones of the child laborer's body were clearly visible. There were two deep hollows in place of eyes. Raised above his head, his hands held a heavy hammer, and in front of him lay a piece of stone.
All the artists were filled with anticipation to hear the results. Taking the microphone, the chief judge announced, "Friends, the artwork declared the best is... Child... Laborer. Its artist is Master... Vittu. I respectfully invite this artist to receive the award."
Walking with the support of crutches, the twelve- to thirteen-year-old little artist stepped onto the stage. The audience welcomed him with a thunderous round of applause. The next day, Vittu's name made headlines in newspapers across the country.