Andhra Pradesh

Paper models that convey a message

Photo: K.R. Deepak

Life-like: Sculptor V. Narasinga Rao giving finishing touches to his paper models in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. —

VISAKHAPATNAM: Thousands of rural poor migrate to cities every year in search of work. They think that their lifestyle would improve once they gain a foothold in the city. But many a time, their living conditions deteriorate further in the cities.

They live in slums and are either unemployed or under-employed. Unlike in the villages, they do not have access to clean drinking water and fresh air.

Mahatma Gandhi’s model of cottage industries and rural development will not only help in checking migration to cities but also fosters development and prosperity of rural areas.

Sculptor Vanapalli Narasinga Rao was inspired by the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi after reading his autobiography in 2002. The next year, when he joined the BFA in Andhra University, he planned to make models depicting the life of Gandhiji. His teacher T. Sudhakar Reddy suggested that he make models on the concept of Gandhiji on rural development and cottage industries.

He made colourful paper models to create awareness among villagers apart from sensitising the policy-makers and the government on the issue.

Gandhiji turning the spinning wheel (charaka), a woman weaving a basket and a group of people sitting on it, a potter turning the wheel, with delegates of the Round Table Conference (London) mounted on the wheel, a toddy-tapper climbing a palm tree, a woman picking cotton, a washer woman washing clothes and a woman engaged in leather works adorn his workshop at Kalagramam (Kapuluppada) here. In all, he made 99 models, including nine life-size ones.

“I chose paper as it is the best medium to depict emotions,” he says.

He sticks the paper layer-by-layer instead of the usual practice of grounding the paper waste into pulp and making models. He draws a sketch after framing an idea and then prepares a steel frame (like a skeleton). He goes on sticking paper till the desired thickness and strength is achieved.

Once that is done, the outer surface is smoothened with a knife and then coloured paper is stuck to give the desired finish. He literally breathed life into his sculptures.

He plans to hold exhibitions at all mandal headquarters in the State apart from New Delhi and other parts of the country.

AP Cheneta Samakhya president Macherla Mohana Rao has promises to help him in this regard.

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