Ponkunnam: A father and his children are bringing life to concrete through their artistry. On the weathered round pillars of the elephant enclosure at Panamattom Bhagavathy Temple, intricate designs are being carved, giving the aged structures a new lease of life.

Sculptor Sajeev Madhav of Kurinji Vadakkedath, along with his sons Sangeeth and Sankeerth, is crafting these forms by first masking the old pillars with bricks before shaping them in concrete.

Sangeeth, a Plus Two student at SKV HSS, Kurichithanam, and Sankeerth, a Class IX student at the same school, assist their father during school holidays. Under Sajeev’s guidance, both have mastered the art of concrete sculpting and polishing. Sajeev is also joined full-time by his relative and fellow sculptor, Suresh Vadakkedath.

Aged 49, Sajeev has been sculpting for over three decades. His late father, Madhavan Achary, was also a sculptor, and his mother Sarojini’s family from Puliyannur Ayyakkunnel shares the same artistic tradition.

Among Sajeev’s acclaimed works is the 22-foot-high Garudan at Kurinji Sree Krishna Swami Temple, modeled after the one at Guruvayur. His sculptures also adorn Mevada Guru Mandiram, Chathanthara Temple, Koratty Temple, Kannimala Saraswathi Temple, and many others.