3rd February 2023, Dehradun: National award-winning artist Manoj Kumar Choudhary conducted Madhubani painting workshops for the students of Manava Bharati School, Welham Girls’ School, and RIMC under the aegis of SPIC MACAY.
The workshops were art-based learning sessions that introduced the students to Mithila or Madhubani, the indigenous art form. The students enthusiastically demonstrated their newly learned skills and actively participated in the learning experience.
Artist Manoj Kumar Choudhary is a full-time professional Mithila painting artist from Darbhanga, Bihar. He completed his graduation from Mithila University and then went through a rigorous training program at Bharti Vikas Manch. Manoj has received many prestigious awards, including Delhi State Award, National Award, Gold Medalist at Delhi Art Marathon, Gold Award at the LION International Art Competition, 2nd position at Vaidehi International Art Competition and Exhibition, and many more. Manoj teaches four of the five styles of Madhubani paintings, which include Bharni, Kachni, Godna, and Bhuchitra.
Informing the students about the Madhubani art form, Manoj Choudhary said, “Madhubani Painting originated from the Madhubani district of the Mithila region of Bihar. The paintings are drawn following a fixed theme and accordingly, symbols, lines, and patterns are drawn. These paintings mostly depict nature and religious motifs and the themes generally depict deities, nature, fishes, peacocks, etc. Natural objects like the sun, and the moon, and religious plants like tulsi are also widely painted. The paintings can be done on handmade paper, canvas, dupattas, stoles, etc.”
Speaking further, Manoj said, “The kids that were part of my workshop were small in age, but they did a fantastic job. I could see the enthusiasm in their eyes while they were painting beautifully.”
During the workshop, the Principal of Manava Bharti School, Dr. Geeta Shukla, thanked the artist for his dedication to the students. She also extended her gratitude towards SPIC MACAY for giving the students of Dehradun a golden opportunity to meet such eminent artists, as well as introducing them to the numerous traditional art forms of the country.
SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth) is a non-political, nationwide, voluntary movement founded in 1977. The organization intends to enrich the quality of formal education by increasing awareness about different aspects of Indian heritage and inspiring the young mind to imbibe the values embedded in it.
