Despite busy schedule, professor carves out time for idol making
The Statesman | 26 October 2025A tragedy once struck the family when the doctor lost three of his close relatives. However, the encouragement he received from friends and other family members gave him the mental strength to uphold and continue his cherished passion for making Jagadhatri idols. This year marks the 45th year of his Jagadhatri Puja celebrations.
Dr Talukdar, a resident of Bhadreswar, is an assistant professor in the department of immuno-haematology and blood transfusion at Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. Despite his demanding professional life, he returns home each day and, often late at night, devotes time to his art – working with hay, bamboo, clay, herbal colours, and other materials to craft a full-sized idol of Goddess Jagadhatri.
Dr Talukdar said: “From my childhood days, I developed a passion for shaping and carving idols out of clay. I never had any formal training in this art, but I spent long hours watching artists at our local Kumartuli, and gradually formed a clear understanding of clay idol making. My younger sister and mother were my main sources of inspiration. They deeply valued my childhood passion. Throughout my educational journey, I never felt that this hobby was an obstacle to my professional career. Even today, despite my hectic hospital schedule, I sit back at night to create Jagadhatri idols.”
He added: “My biggest sources of encouragement and support were my sister Ratna Talukdar, my mother Usha Rani Talukdar, and my brother Bimalendu Talukdar. Sadly, after the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in 2021, I lost my mother and sister, and my brother passed away this May.”
“At present, my helping hands are my wife Sanchayita, my nephew Sayan, my daughter Seoti, my mejo boudi (sister-in-law) Arati, my elder sisters Manashi and Tapasi, along with their children,” he said. “I am also fortunate to receive constant support from our departmental head, professor Prasun Bhattacharya, assistant professor Dr Chikam Maity, and my close friend, eminent CTVS surgeon Dr Swarnendu Datta.”
