Feel I am luckiest person: Sculptor Arun Yogiraj

Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who chiselled the 'Ram Lalla' idol consecrated in the newly constructed temple in Ayodhya, on Monday, says he considers himself the luckiest person on the earth and believes that it is Lord Ram who chose him for the task.

"I have always felt that Lord Ram has been shielding me and my family from all the bad times and I strongly believe that it is him, who chose me for the auspicious task," Yogiraj, who has received effusive praise for his work, told PTI.

A fifth-generation sculptor, he was among the invitees to the grand consecration ceremony here.

"I spent sleepless nights working on the idol with precision but it was all worth it. I feel I am the luckiest person on the earth and today is the best day of my life,” an excited "I learnt the art of sculpting from my father. He would have been very proud to see my idol here today," he said.

While it was a proud moment for him to witness the historic event in person, his family back in Mysuru witnessed the ceremony live on TV.