Ajit Kumar

Ajit Kumar, a 70-year-old artist residing in New Delhi's Palam Colony, traces his artistic journey back to 1976 when he first began his craft, initially working with ivory until its ban in 1990. Transitioning seamlessly to sandalwood and then wood, Ajit's dedication to his artistry was nurtured under the guidance of his late guru, Guruji Babu Ram Verma. Hailing from Punjab's Gurudaspur district, Ajit's educational journey culminated with his 10th standard from the Punjab Education Board, before embarking on a path adorned with accolades such as National Merit and State Awards, showcasing his talent at prestigious events like the Suraj Kund Mela.

Renowned for his exquisite rosewood creations, Ajit's designs reflect his meticulous craftsmanship, often featuring intricate undercut work and elaborate hunting and rose motifs. Despite challenges such as limited demand and setbacks like the world trade center incident and subsequent economic upheavals, Ajit's unwavering commitment to his artistry remains unshakeable. While he now works solely for passion, having left his shop behind, Ajit's enduring legacy is evident in the pieces he has meticulously crafted, each bearing witness to a lifetime dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence amidst life's trials and triumphs.