New Delhi, In a heartwarming recognition of India’s rich cultural legacy, a group of traditional artists practicing Madhubani and Gond art met the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. This meaningful interaction took place under the ongoing Artists in Residence programme, “Kala Utsav,” which is dedicated to showcasing India’s diverse folk, tribal, and traditional art forms in their purest expressions.
The initiative has opened a dignified platform within the walls of Rashtrapati Bhavan for artists who have carried forward these age-old artistic traditions, often passed down through generations. From May 20 to 27, these artists have been living and working in the historic premises, contributing their skills and stories to a cultural journey that binds the past with the present.
Representing Madhubani art from Bihar were artists Shanti Devi, Ambika Devi, Manisha Jha, Priti Karn, Ranjan Paswan, Urmila Devi, Shravan Paswan, Kumari Nalinee Shah, and Moti Karn. From Madhya Pradesh, the Gond art tradition was upheld by Durgabai Vyam, Subhash Vyam, Nankusia Shyam, Ram Singh Urveti, Dilip Shyam, Champakali, Heeraman Urvety, and Japani Shyam Dhurwey. These names reflect not just talent, but resilience and an enduring commitment to preserving India’s intangible heritage.
During their meeting, President Murmu took the time to personally view the artworks created during the artists’ residency. She expressed deep admiration for their efforts in keeping traditional art alive and thriving, and offered her warm wishes for their future pursuits.
This gathering was not just a meeting of artists and the head of the state; it was a celebration of creativity, heritage, and the spirit of India that continues to live on through its artists, often in the quiet corners of rural life. Their presence at Rashtrapati Bhavan is a symbolic and powerful reminder that every brushstroke and every motif tells a story worth honoring.