Marble Carving Institute at Ambaji in Gujarat – Learn to Carve Murtis (Idols) of Hindu Gods and Goddesses

Ambaji Stone Artisan Park Training Institute (ASAPT) will help aspiring sculptors to learn the art of marble carving. Majority of Hindu temples that are now constructed in India and abroad use marble Murtis (Idols) of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Initially, a candidate will be trained for a fortnight. Thereafter he will get a stipend of Rs 100 a day. Besides operation of lath, drilling, stone cutters compressors and carving, the trainee will learn to carve sculptures including idols, flowers, flower pots, miniature of temples among others.

Times of India Reports

Constructed by the state geology and mining (G&M) commissionerate, the institute is spread over 1,200 square metres and is located in the vicinity of Gujarat Mining Development Corporation (GMDC). "It is the only training centre of its kind in the country. It will foster a dynamic process of skill formation and knowledge building and contribute to enterprise development and employment generation, particularly for rural poor in the state," said Vinay Vyasa, commissioner, G&M.

Said district collector RJ Patel, who is also the chairman of the ASAPT, "During the long and short term training, the institute will help trainees to be successful entrepreneurs in stone craftsmanship. This would increase the scope for self-employment in terms of marketing and production."

The institute is located at Gujarat Mining Development Corporation (GMDC) at Ambaji in Danta Taluka Danta, Banaskantha District in Gujarat.