Dr Ankush Dewangan, a renowned sculptor who has gained national and international recognition for his miniature sculptures, has created the World’s smallest Durga idol this Navratri. This exquisite statue depicts the ten-armed goddess slaying the demon Mahishasura atop a lion, and measures a mere centimeter in height. The intricate details, including two demons, a buffalo, a lion, and the goddess’s various weapons, are meticulously carved into a piece of marble. Dewangan has previously been awarded the Limca Book of Records for his micro-sculptures. With his latest creation, he has appealed to the public to make smaller idols and avoid immersing them in water bodies to address the growing water scarcity in the country. He has also urged village and municipal authorities to construct separate ponds for idol immersion and seal them afterward to prevent water pollution.

 

The World Health Organisation has expressed deep concern over India’s dwindling freshwater reserves, and many intellectuals believe that the next world war could be fought over water. While Dewangan is celebrated for his miniature works, he is equally adept at creating large-scale sculptures. In Dalli Rajhara, he constructed a six-story-high chariot depicting Krishna, Arjuna, and Bhishma Pitamah, which is listed in the Limca Book of Records as the world’s largest iron chariot. His other notable creations include the Krishna-Arjuna chariot at the Civic Center in Bhilai, the Chhota Parivaar Chowk, and the Panthi Chowk in Ruabandha. Dewangan’s sculptures are characterised by their grandeur and scale, often spanning multiple stories. His artwork has left an enduring mark on cities across India, and he is admired for his artistic prowess and commitment to social causes.