| Bio |
Baskaran Natarajan, born on June 19, 1961, is a master craftsman from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to the art of creating Golu dolls. These traditional dolls, crafted from materials like papier-mâché and terracotta, are a key part of the South Indian Navaratri festival. They represent gods, goddesses, mythological figures, and scenes from daily life, celebrating the divine feminine energy of Shakti.
A member of the Kulalar community, Natarajan has been refining his craft for over forty years, ensuring that this ancestral art form is passed down to future generations. While honoring the traditional techniques, he has also introduced innovative designs, blending the old with the new. His exceptional skill has earned him numerous district and state-level awards. Natarajan is also a passionate educator and a community leader. He trains students and college pupils, helping them understand and appreciate the history of Golu dolls, much like the iconic Kanchipuram sarees. He also empowers women by providing them with training, enabling them to work from home and become successful entrepreneurs, all while keeping the craft alive.
As a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME), Natarajan's journey is a testament to perseverance. Despite the challenges of scaling production—as each doll is handmade and requires specific weather conditions—his passion remains strong. He has also overcome obstacles like limited customer support infrastructure, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to reaching every customer.
His unique dolls, which depict not just deities but also stories of daily life and spirituality, are highly sought after by customers who want to instill moral values in their children. His immense passion and dedication to the art of Golu fuels his motivation and bring him a deep sense of honor to contribute to this old-age art form for future generations. |
