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LUCKY GANESHA
 The
name Santosh Sivaram, is synonymous with exquisitely crafted,
corning glass Ganeshas. This Designer has moulded the elephant
God in several interesting and unusual variations.
His drive to craft something unique came from an artisan who made
fascinating glass ducks. Santosh says, "In those days, at the
USIS library, I saw collections from the Corning Glass
Museum, New York. This increased my interest and Lord Ganesha
was my first design". Barely one-and-a-half inches high,
the idol was first crafted at the request of an elderly lady so
that she could carry it along with her wherever she went. It was
not an easy task for Santosh, as crafting miniature idols calls
for speed and dexterity. When he completed the order, the lady gratefully
gifted one of the idols back to him. In turn, Santosh who is an
ardent believer, took it to Mahaswami Perival of Kanchi
Mutt who personally blessed the idol. This particular piece
occupies a pride of place in his shop.
 In
the initial stages, the craftsman went door to door to sell his
crafted figures. "No one threw me out of the house because I
was selling Ganesha", he says smilingly.
From 1980 onward, this 47-year-old (who comes from a Commerce background)
has been specialising in what he calls the ‘Lucky Ganesha’. Customers
who stroll into his shop at Alsa Mall, buy these pieces and
walk away with a smile on their faces and a prayer in their hearts.
There are letters and comments in his portfolio from buyers who
relate the good luck that ‘Lucky Ganesha’ has brought them. Ever
Friday, the little shop resounds with the chants of a pooja when
all the Ganeshas are worshipped and then sold.
 The
Ganeshas are affordably priced. A small Ganesha costs Rs 30/-, whereas
the medium and big glass idols are priced Rs 60/- and Rs 90/- respectively.
The craft calls for a great deal of precision. So, Santosh personally
supervises the execution of his concepts by skilled craftsmen whom
he has trained. He now plans to teach many people who like to take
it up as a career.
Santosh Sivaram's collection is at `SANTACLAUS-88', Alsa
Mall, # 10, Montieth Road, Egmore, Chennai - 600 008,
Phone: 855 4247
Author : S Natarajan
Photographs : V Ganesan |
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