Ahmedabad Puppeteer's Joyful Art Dims Amid Financial Struggle on International Day of Happiness
For over five decades, Ramesh Raval, a 72-year-old artist from Ahmedabad, did not merely pull strings; he infused life into leather and paper, making the world dance to his creative tunes. From the grand stages of Italy, Japan, and Iran to the humble classrooms of Gujarat, Raval dedicated his life to transforming discarded scraps into vibrant, living art. However, as the world celebrates the International Day of Happiness on March 20, the man who once spread joy to thousands now lies immobilized in a quiet room, his own happiness dimming under the crushing weight of financial hardship.
A Life-Altering Accident and Slow Recovery
The turning point in Raval's life occurred on January 26, when a speeding two-wheeler struck him near Akhbarnagar, shattering his hip. Although surgery followed, his recovery has been painfully slow and isolating, rendering the once-independent artist completely dependent on others for daily needs. This physical setback has compounded his struggles, leaving him in a precarious situation as he grapples with mounting medical expenses.
From Humble Beginnings to Artistic Mastery
Raval's journey into puppetry began at the age of 20, when he earned just Rs 250 a month at Darpana Academy. There, he watched Parsi puppetry maestro Meher Contractor teach—an encounter that quietly ignited the passion that would define his life. "I was mesmerized. After classes, I'd collect the discarded paper scraps left by students, take them home, and study the shapes. I would then create something and show it to Meher. Recognizing my passion, she hired me as a helper," Raval recalls, his eyes often filling with tears as he reflects on those formative years.
Peak Career Achievements and Creative Innovations
After leaving Darpana, Raval reached the peak of his career. In 1979, he joined Reliance's Vimal textile unit as a laborer, but his creative urge refused to stay dormant. He approached Sushil Kothari and Ramnik Ambani with an innovative idea that soon materialized as the Vimal Cultural Group. Under this banner, Raval achieved his most remarkable milestone: bringing the Dhola Maru love legend to life through life-sized puppets, including a full-sized camel that captivated audiences at Tagore Hall. This production was a resounding success, spreading joy through sheer craftsmanship and artistic innovation.
Setbacks and a Return to Passion
Unfortunately, fate dealt a harsh blow when the Vimal Cultural Group shut down for reasons never made clear. Raval spent several years wandering as a monk before eventually returning to his true calling—puppetry. He traveled across countries, conducting workshops and sharing his craft, continuing to inspire others with his artistry.
Current Financial Crisis and Appeal for Support
Today, after spending more than Rs 70,000 on treatment, Raval and his sister Kumud are left with virtually nothing. The art that once brought joy to audiences worldwide has offered him no safety net in his time of need. For a man who still carries the spark to teach and create, survival and recovery now rest entirely on the kindness of well-wishers responding to his appeals on social media. As the International Day of Happiness approaches, Raval's story serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by artists who dedicate their lives to spreading joy.
