Kenya in awe of North Paravur native's 'Amboseli Tim' sculpture

KOCHI: Suraj is fully focused on preparing a full-body sculpture of Amboseli Tim, the world's largest elephant, which existed in Kenya's Amboseli National Park. Discussions regarding this are in the final stage. North Paravur native Suraj dreams of sculpting the biggest tribute for Tim at the pachyderm’s home turf.

A full-length sculpture in cement of Tim was erected in front of Suraj's workspace in Paravur the other day. The video went viral on the internet, but it was out of anybody’s guess that a phone call would reach from Kenya searching for Suraj.

Born in 1969, Tim was the tallest elephant in the world till 2020 - 11.4 feet. Its one horn alone weighed 160 kg. Tim was the target of elephant poachers and had special security in Amboseli National Park. On February 5, 2020, the out-of-the-ordinary giant bid adieu to the world. Suraj’s Tim's sculpture was completed in two months, costing around three lakhs rupees.

Elephant sculptures are Suraj's livelihood. Miniatures of Pampady Rajan, Thechikottukavu Ramachandran and Mangalamkunnu Karnan spread his fame across the nation. As of now, Suraj has started work in sculpting out ‘Nadungamuwa Raja, ’ the revered Sri Lankan elephant.

Suraj, who graduated from RLV College, Tripunithura, with a Master's Degree in Fine Arts, accidentally got into elephant sculpture and soon found his niche. His PG final year project, 'Beauty features of Indian elephants' turned catalyst in his choice of work.

In front of his workroom also sits a gigantic sculpture of Munnar’s celebrity tusker, ‘Padayappa. ’