Artists of Madhubani and Gond Art Meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan

A distinguished group of traditional artists specializing in Madhubani and Gond art called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today as part of the ongoing Artists-in-Residence programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This initiative, under the Kala Utsav, celebrates and showcases India’s rich folk, tribal, and traditional art forms in their original essence.

The artists, hailing from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, have been residing at Rashtrapati Bhavan since May 20 and will continue their creative journey until May 27, 2025. The Madhubani artists include Shanti Devi, Ambika Devi, Manisha Jha, Priti Karn, Ranjan Paswan, Urmila Devi, Shravan Paswan, Kumari Nalinee Shah, and Moti Karn. Representing the Gond art tradition are Durgabai Vyam, Subhash Vyam, Nankusia Shyam, Ram Singh Urveti, Dilip Shyam, Champakali, Heeraman Urvety, and Japani Shyam Dhurwey.

During the visit, President Murmu personally viewed the exquisite paintings created by the artists during their residency. She lauded their dedication and significant contribution to preserving and promoting India’s heritage through these vibrant and timeless art forms. The President extended her best wishes for their continued success and encouraged them to carry forward the legacy of their ancestral art traditions.

The Artists-in-Residence programme continues to provide a vital platform for folk and tribal artists, enabling them to gain national recognition and inspire new generations in the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.