Bhim Bahadur Bishwokarma is happy particularly because he is using something 'which would otherwise to waste'. "The roots of bamboo are not used for anything. But these make me money," he said adding that the artistic pieces he makes out of the roots are in high demand.
Apart from the images of wildlife, Bhim Bahadur Bishwokarma 's idol of several gods and goddess are also quite popular. Making Buddha, Shivalinga, and Statue of Liberty and so on excites him equally. Bhim Bahadur Bishwokarma can be seen dedicated at his work at "Diktel Bhim Handicarft Center' from early morning till late evening. The workshop located at Hatdanda of the headquarters attracts huge number of visitors and most of them order for items of their choice, he said. "Some pick up from the showcase, others give order. But I make more on order and that's always very challenging. I like it."
Bamboo roots are hard to cut and bend. That's the reason why even those who prepare furniture from bamboo spare it, Bhim Bahadur Bishwokarma said. "In our villages, bamboo sticks are thrown here and there, nobody cares about it. So, I don't have to invest for the raw material," he said.
Bhim Bahadur Bishwokarma ventured into the profession in 2004 after he completed training. One of his craft has fetched up to Rs 10,000, the highest rate given to his art, so far. "Lowest was for an astray. That was for Rs 250," he said.
Bhim Bahadur Bishwokarma said that he is able to cater to his family's need with the income and make his wife and children happy. "My income is sufficient to run my family expenses, pay for kids' education and so on. I must say, the art has given me good life."
His products are sought after basically by those in need of unique gift to their friends and others. High class officials or staffs who get transferred from or to the place are generally welcomed, seen off with the gift, locals say. Similarly, many houses in Diktel have his items in their showcases. According to Bhim Bahadur Bishwokarma , his products are 'praised' by locals but few are willing to spend for that. "However, outsiders are eager to buy it. A businessman from Bagdol, Kathmandu, buys all my items whenever he comes here," he said adding that better marketing to the capital would make huge difference in his business.
Taking his products safely to capital is challenging and he claims it to be major setback for expanding his business reach. "The products are heavy in weight and prone to scratches," he said adding that the arts are however already in several government offices in Kathmandu. "They have been kept in glass frames beautifully."
Bhim Bahadur Bishwokarma stressed that proper training to youths and little investment to establish the business could give employment to many in Diktel. "We could change it into large scale business if the government provided training to locals and promoted this sector," he said. He further added that rooting out the old bamboo roots for the sake of the gift items is an environment friendly act as well. "When we take out the old roots, we are giving space for the new ones. So, that's double benefit," he pointed out. For his skill and hard work, Bhim Bahadur Bishwokarma has received number of awards and certificates.
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