Pragya Shinde/Pune

"My name is Mohammad Kausar Sheikh. I make idols of Ganpati." Many eyebrows are raised when the artist speaks thus but such unity of Indians is not rare as it becomes more pronounced during the traditional festivals and celebrations in the multicultural and multi-faith India.

This year's Ganeshotsav also saw the same unity and religious harmony in the work of 40-year-old Mohammad Kausar Shaikh. Kausar bhai, who lives in Bhayander near Mumbai, has been making Ganpati idols for the past 22 years. While many sculptors use plaster of Paris (POP), Kausar prefers making clay idols. 

Statues made of plaster of Paris look attractive, but this has a serious impact on the environment. POP does not dissolve easily in water, due to which water sources get polluted after idol immersion and animals are harmed. As the POP tends to decrease oxygen levels in water, fish and other creatures die.

Mohammad Kausar Sheikh making an idol

Moreover, chemical colours and other harmful elements are used to dry the harmful and environmentally dangerous POP. The idols made it this are like a slow poison for the environment and create long term whose long-term effects are very fatal.

Keeping this in mind, a few years ago Kausar stopped making POP idols and started making eco-friendly clay idols. He has made this change to protect the environment. This year he made 70-80 eco-friendly Ganesh idols, which were lapped up by people. His step is considered a big effort to protect the environment, it also inspires other sculptors to make eco-friendly idols. 

"Idols made of plaster of Paris cause great harm to the environment. There is a ban on POP idols, but it is limited only on paper," says Kausar. His clay idols are not only eco-friendly but also artistically rated high.

Mohammad Kausar Shaikh not only makes eco-friendly Ganpati to prevent environmental damage, but he also provides jobs.

"Today there is poverty in society and many people do not have work. Through my business I try to employ many people," he says.

He says, "Only when there is a complete ban on POP idols, will the artists making clay idols be able to get proper employment."

Kausarbhai's Ganesh idol-making work is not just seasonal, but it continues throughout the year. He confidently says, "I had a great desire to make Ganesh idols. I am fulfilling this desire and will continue to do so."

Talking about the inspiration for making Ganesh idols, he says, "When my Hindu brothers come to buy idols from me, I get satisfaction. I like making idols. This is how I run my house, so I will never stop this work."

He further says, "Due to this business I have overcome many financial crises. I have a lot of faith in my work. Religion is not a hindrance in this." He finds satisfaction in giving happiness to people through his art, regardless of caste and religion. Through his business, he shows that art has no religion.

At present, some anti-social elements in society spread religious tension and many misunderstandings. On this, Kausar Bhai says, "We should stay away from politics that discriminate between Hindus and Muslims." He also says that he has faced criticism many times for making idols of Ganpati, but he ignores this and focuses on his work. 

He further says, "Many people create Hindu-Muslim tension for votes. Some people also fall prey to this deceit. But for me, politics and my work are two different things. I do not even think about politics." Kausar gives more importance to the harmony he has created through his business rather than politics. 

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Kausar's work as a sculptor is highly appreciated by Ganesh devotees. His name is taken with great respect among Ganesh devotees due to his social and environmental approach. Thus, the message of unity that is given through his work proves to be important for society. Awaaz Marathi salutes his inspiring work and wishes him all the best for his business!