Indore, Feb.15 : A school teacher in Indore has developed such a liking for bamboo over the years that he has totally involved himself into creating exotic handicraft items from bamboo the perennial and evergreen grass.

Forty nine-year-old Sunil Ranade's yen for creating beautiful artifacts from this eco-friendly grass, reflects in his creations.

So far he has made many decorative lamps, mugs, trays, glasses, purses, curtains, wall hangings, chandeliers and various other items.

He cuts thin strips of bamboo, treats them with chemicals and dye them in natural substances like coffee, turmeric, tea and weaves them together to make artifacts.

Drawn to the craft eight years ago while watching some artisans at work, Ranade learnt the bamboo art a Nagpur village before embarking on his creative crusade to popularise bamboo handicraft amongst the masses by personal artworks.

"I want to popularise this craft amongst the masses so that they realize bamboo's value. Besides, making these craft items, I am also trying to make some medicines and cosmetics from bamboo, on which I am currently researching. I also have plans to write a book on bamboo and its numerous usages," says Sushil Ranade.

Ranade has plans to involve tribals of the State's Jhabua region in bamboo craft and enable them for self-employment. He believes there is immense potential in promoting business options through bamboo handicraft.

"The tribals living in Jhabua region are very adept at working with bamboo, which is available there in abundance. But due to widespread unemployment they take up unlawful activities at times. I want to train them in the craft so that they lead a decent and respectable life and we can also think about exporting the craft items to other places," he added.

Ranade buys bamboo from Assam and Maharashtra for his handicraft items. He has also tried innovations from bamboo for hair and dental care, the success of which has motivated him to carry on research and develop more products from Bamboo. By Rajni Khaitan

ANI