Ananta Malakar is a master craftsman from West Bengal who turns out impressive decorations from the sholapith plant. He belongs to the traditional Malakar families whose knowledge of the craft is hereditary.

A  National  Award  winner, he lives with his wife  and  two sons. His elder son has already started assisting him in the craft. His exhibits have been shown all over India and abroad. Extremely popular for making marriage 'topars' which can be bought in the market, Malakar has gone on to win high awards for his carvings of Durga, Saraswati, Ganapati and many more.