ALDONA: Meet Suryakant Raut, a man whose dedication to his craft transcends barriers, as he has spent the past 45 years honing his skills as a carpenter. But what sets him apart from the rest is not just his expertise, but the fact that Suryakant is deaf-mute.
Born into a family that has been in the carpentry business for 85 years, Suryakant embraced his fate early on, says Sundar Raut, Suryakant’s brother whose helped him articulate his thoughts during this interview. At the age of one, he faced a challenge that would forever shape his journey - a hearing and speech impairment that affected his ability to receive a formal education. He found solace in his father’s carpentry workshop and chose to immerse himself in the art that had been passed down through generations. At the tender age of 15, he took his first steps into the world of carpentry, and hasn't looked back since.
Communication poses a significant hurdle for Suryakant, who has not learned sign language, but relies on gestures and lip-reading to interact with those around him. His family, through years of experience, has developed an intuitive understanding of his needs, forming a unique language of signals and expressions that bridges the gap between him and the rest of the world.
In an era where technical institutes and vocational training centres abound, Suryakant’’s story stands out. Unlike many craftsmen today, he has never undergone formal training or obtained a certificate from any institute. Instead, he has relied on self-learning, fuelled by a passion for his skill. Customers who have witnessed his skills firsthand are left in awe, marvelling at his impeccable craftsmanship. “We receive customers who specifically ask for Suryakant to work on their furniture; some of them come here with challenging projects that nobody else has the skill to complete,” says Sundar, beaming with pride.
The art of carpentry has become deeply entrenched in Suryakant's family, and he dreams of passing it down to future generations. From his earliest years, he displayed a keen interest in the craft, often lending a helping hand to his father, recalls Sundar. As he grew older, he transformed that curiosity into expertise, painstakingly perfecting each joint, carving, and finishing. His commitment to his work goes beyond mere patience and hard work; it is an unwavering devotion that has made him a master of his trade.
Now married and the father of two children, Suryakant’s home is a haven of unconditional acceptance and support. His family has embraced him exactly as he is, never allowing his disabilities to define him or hinder his progress.
However, the passage of time has begun to take its toll on Suryakant’s health. As he enters his sixties, concerns about his ability to continue his craft loom large. Yet, his eyes still sparkle with the same passion, his hands continue to shape wood with unmatched precision, and his determination remains unyielding.
Throughout his illustrious career, Suryakant has crafted an array of furniture pieces, from intricate door frames and tables to cupboards and kitchen cabinets. His mastery extends even further, as he possesses the unique ability to identify different types of wood by scent alone, a skill acquired through years of experience. In a world where plastic, fibre, and aluminium reign supreme, he urges people to appreciate the enduring value of wood, emphasizing the need for proper care and maintenance to ensure its longevity.
With the advent of modern technologies, minimal designs and changing aesthetics, Suryakant laments the waning interest in traditional carpentry. However, he remains hopeful, knowing that with the right training and a fusion of traditional techniques with modern tools, aspiring artisans can carve out their own successful careers in the field of carpentry.