Meet Ishtiaq Ali, 85, who carves Hindu gods on living trees without harming them
Ishtiaq Ali, an 85-year-old artist from Lucknow, has gained social media fame for carving intricate Hindu deities into living trees without harming them. His work represents a transition from a life of poverty to finding purpose through artistic expression.
Why it matters
The story highlights the intersection of traditional art, environmental consciousness, and personal resilience in the face of economic hardship.
There was a time when Ishtiaq Ali returned home with the idols he had made, only to be told that they would not help run the household. Today, the 85-year-old artist from Kakori in Lucknow is drawing attention for carving Lord Ganesha directly onto a living tree. For decades, he has been making idols of Hindu gods and goddesses. His work has now drawn attention through videos shared on social media, including an Instagram video with Shubh Tales.In a new viral video, Ali is seen working on a tree and making the form of Lord Ganesha. The artist’s unusual method, his age and his understanding of idol-making have made his story stand out.
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