Creating mammoth structures is tough but it is equally difficult to make small ones too! And proving his expertise in the latter is a young boy from Odisha, Rakesh Kumar Patra.

This enterprising youth has made a mark for himself, his State and the country by creating an Exclusive World Record of making a miniature of Lord Jagannath and his siblings using neem wood, and the smallest idol of Buddha in wax.

Patra, who comes from Nathasahi village under Jajpur Sadar Block of Jajpur district, specialises in creating miniatures from wax and wood and has garnered praise for his skill.

His art works include a 3.5 cm wax statue of Lord Buddha and 0.5 cm idols of Lord Jagannath and his siblings carved out of neem wood.

Talking about his works that got him the Exclusive World Record, Patra said: “It took me three days to carve a 3.5 cm wax statue of Lord Buddha. The 0.5 cm idols of Lord Jagannath and his siblings have been made using a magnifying glass. I am very happy that my art has earned an exclusive world record and I am aiming for a world record."

In order to see these works the viewer has to use a magnifying glass. To create these artworks, Patra used neem wood, blade, sandpaper, glue and paint, and broken mobile glass.

Patra’s craftsmanship goes beyond these two works as he has created several statues of various deities out of wood and clay.

With a passion and devotion in sculpture, sand carving and painting, Patra is following his interest by studying at an art college. What is truly praiseworthy is that he is funding his own expenses and college fees by painting.

Kaushalya Patra, his mother and Kamalini Patra, his sister, also expressed their happiness at his success.