The little master is all set to search for that one eluding century that has kept the whole world glued to the television, whenever the great man walks in to bat. Many a times have all the fans and the cricket lovers been disappointed already. However there are two people who are left heartbroken the most, Arjun back home in Sachin’s new Villa and a very small sculptor from Patna named ‘Chintu’.
Each time the maestro prolongs his renaissance a young boy named Arjun gets so furious, he threatens to slam the bowler that has got the little master out, all-round the park, when he himself wears the blues. On the other side of the country a poor unappreciated sculptor with limited resources manages to bring sparkle in his eyes. Every times the great man gets out in 90’s Chintu reassures himself that it’s just a small step for Tendulkar and the kind of greatness he possesses he will attain it in the near future. And when the master batsmen does achieves that 100th ton Chintu will set out on a journey to present his master piece which he has named ‘Satkon Ka Singhashan’ to the little master, as a token of appreciation for the services he has done for the country.
Chintu Kumar (26) a native of Nalanda is a final year student of the College of Arts and Crafts, who is working day and night to carve a stone sculpture - 'Satkon Ka Singhashan (throne of centuries)' - to gift to the greatest batsman of all times. He can be seen working in the backyard of the college premises or resting on the grassy lawn in front. He says the work is intense and needs total devotion hence he cannot concentrate on anything else these days. He also said that he was the only sculptor in the college.
When asked about the outline of the Sculpture he said that the basic design will be based on zero, since everything in the world has to start from it. Even Sachin’s centuries contain zeros, his name is Tendulkar which also contains ten which has one zero. Hence zero was a very first thing that came to my mind when I decided to make this throne. The stone which has been carved in to one solid piece will be polished with perception. The back of the throne will feature the Man-of-the-Match feats achieved by the little master, while ‘100’ will be carved out in metal and pasted all over the remaining part of the throne.
The throne will have two adjacent pillars in the front and they will be made out of metal. On one of the metal pillar the test centuries made by the great man will be incarved while the other side will feature the list of his one-day centuries. The relief will be made in the form of a globe to symbolize that the master blaster is a global conqueror. He has scored runs all over the world and helped the team win the world cup this year. Chintu said that small pebbles painted with glitters will be embedded in the throne to make it look glamorous.
Earlier Chintu had also provided a 250Kg stone carved replica of the world cup to M.S Dhoni. For this he had to go to Ranchi and wait for hours at MSD’s gates. He had to hire a cab that could carry the replica to MSD’s house which cost him a year’s worth savings. But he says it was worth it, as he got a chance to meet Dhoni in person and congratulate for the world cup victory. Dhoni also assured him of any possible help to which Chintu laughingly replied “just bring another world cup home”. When asked what he would have done if India had lost that night in Wankhede? he said, I am an artist and can only control what is in my domain. However, I was really confident of the victory because we have a very strong captain and I don’t doubt his capabilities. However I cannot deny that I was under severe pressure that night, even more than MSD himself at times. As first Sachin and then Sehwag got out on consecutive deliveries of Malinga, my heart shank and my friends started mocking me. I started praying and they say god hears prayers of people who work with their heart, my prayers were heard and we won. I really did not know what I would have done if we did not win that day.
In an answer to the question why only cricketers? He replied immediately, Sports is very important and that I am a small common man with limited endeavors, hence sporting achievements earned by the country gives me immense pleasure. He also explained that he has very limited resources and wealth hence this was the least he could do for the people who made the country proud. He said he does not have the power to award Bharat-Ratna to anyone one he wants, but this throne made by him was nothing less than that. His days of intense work and persistence are the sole investment in his sculptures, and that’s the best he can do to recognize the achievement of great men. Sachin has been serving the country for the last 22 years; he has been recognized all over the world by his fans and cricket lovers. Talks are in progress to provide him with Bharat-Ratna so this is my way of saluting the great man.
Sachin has left all his competitors behind and has proved many a times of his caliber. He also became the first man to get a double century in the history of cricket. Chintu said that Sachin is now ‘Satkon ka Raja’ which means king of centuries. I am praying that Sachin gets his much-awaited century of centuries soon. The chance of this happening in the first Test against Australia, which is scheduled to begin in Melbourne on December 26, is extreme. I have prepared this ‘Satkon Ka Singhashan’ to honor the man in my own peculiar way. I will personally take this throne to the great man when he reaches back home via train or any other accommodation available at that time.
Among his other projects is a round shaped memorabilia carved out of stone highlighting all the strokes and achievements by the Super Explosive Opening Batsman ‘Virender Sehwag’. He says he loves to see him bat; he is fearless, aggressive and entertaining. He plans to present the memorabilia to sehwag for scoring the ‘219’aginst West Indies earlier this month.
Replying to a question, why creative satisfaction is more important than money? Chintu said that the work of an artist is his identity and identity is very important for survival just like food, air, water and shelter. Off course money is important but a creative man needs only as much as he can suffice in. I do not endeavor money but I wish the infrastructure of the Arts and Craft College be improved and the students be provided with basic tools and equipment. Also if the government could provide necessary arrangements and showcased the work more often more students will come to the college and aspire to become sculptors.
When asked about what is that drives an artist to work selflessly, he said Skeptics may feel that it is a publicity stunt, but ask my friends and they will say this is far from truth. Work is greater than anything in this world people come and go but work stands out. I am an artist what I seek is recognition and appreciation, wealth has always eluded me and I hardly care. I will continue my mission to honor the great man for their contribution to the country no matter what.
