An isolated and neglected quarry in Pansuli-Morlim is being put to use by Suryakant Gaonkar from Bhuipal in a rather unique way. He has carved portraits of Deepaji Rane and Dada Rane Advoikar, two valiant fighters against the Portuguese regime, inside the laterite quarry.
The quarry was lying neglected after laterite had been extracted. Gaonkar, when he saw the quarry, decided to carve out portraits of two great fighters from ‘Rane’s revolt’ on the laterite beds.
On earlier occasions, Suryakant had chiselled sculptures of Gajlaxmi, Bhudevi and of other cultural as well as religious symbols out of wood and stone. During Ganesh Chaturthi every year, he works meticulously to create an eco-friendly idol of Lord Ganesh.
Working for last the four months, Gaonkar single-handedly carved out portraits of Deepaji Rane, Dada Rane Advoikar and of Ganesh without financial support from anybody.
“Deepaji Rane, on January 26, 1852 captured the fort of Nanuz. To commemorate this event, I have decided to unveil these sculptures on Republic Day. Dada Rane Advoikar was the leader of the revolt of 1895, whereas Ganapati is the elephant-headed God related to the environment. Hence, I have carved out sculptures of these three entities,” said Gaonkar.
Suryakant, as a member of the Keri-based Vivekanand Environment Awareness Brigade (VEAB) has been involved in making items out of waste, using seasonal flowers and leaves to make bouquets, and making artifacts from wood. This was his first attempt at carving portraits on laterite bedrock.
He stated, “To inspire the youth to undertake noble initiatives, I have taken pain to carve these portraits”
On January 26, Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar unveiled these portraits, following which a cultural programme regarding the brave deeds of Deepaji and Dada Rane was held.
Speaking on the occasion, Tawadkar said, “The rock portraits chiseled by Suryakant Gaonkar by working persistently for around four months exhibits his intense dedication and devotion for art and the heritage of our land. By carving portraits of Deepaji and Dada Rane, he has established assets for inspiring the young generation for noble causes.”
