Agartala, Oct 20 : The saying ''Labour never goes in vain,'' explains the achievement of Tapan Pal. He made his first miniature clay craft at the age of seven and today Tapan is a maestro.

Hailing from a poor family of western Tripura, Tapan is making micro-clay-images, which is unique. Tapan has become an inspiration for many youngsters in the state, who want to create a niche for themselves in the world.

Using clay as the main component for his work, Tapan uses seeds, glasses and paints to make his creations more attractive.

"It is my hobby and I started this work when I was just seven years old. I have a passion for painting so I learnt it, but gradually I moved to the art of making dolls and idols. Every year, during the festival season I have tried to give people a gift, which is totally new in itself. I don''t care what I get in return," said Tapan Paul, the artist from Tripura.

"When he was very small he used to take tuition in painting but idol making is his own effort. Now our family runs on his income. People like his idols and buy them. We want him to become a renowned painter but due to our poor financial condition we are unable to help him,” said Laxmi Paul, Tapan''s mother.

Recently, on the eve of Tripura''s biggest festival, Tapan made the miniature idols of Hindu deity, Durga, which were in great demand among the locals.

People like Tapan are the torchbearers and inspirational figures in a state like Tripura, which was a breeding ground for militancy not long ago, having limited resources and opportunities that are few and far apart. (ANI)