Nestled in the lap of river Narmada, the sleepy town of Mandla has soaked itself in sublime remembrance as it observes the first death anniversary of its son and legendary painter Sayed Haider Raza on July 23.
A series of programmes including a four-day long workshop, have been organised by the Raza foundation over the past week to commemorate the artist's memory and perpetuate his legacy.
Over the last four days, more than 20 artists and sculptors from Madhya Pradesh and beyond, came together to participate in the artist workshop.
The enthusiasm in these young hearts refused to abate even as the horizon turned pink.
Coming from varied backgrounds and cultures, they said they found their inspiration and dreams in the late artist, who spent his formative years in Mandla and now lies buried next to his father here.
Spreading acrylic hues on canvas using soft brush strokes and chisel to create an abstract cityscape, Arihant Jain (23) said, "Who would believe Raza was from this small town? But, he was and because of his thirst to learn more and more he went to France.
"Even till the end he was trying new styles with his paintings. I think today he is an inspiration to anyone who just wants to paint their feelings on canvas."
Jain is a student of fine arts at Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University in Gwalior.
Priya Singh (23) from Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh and Dharm Netam (25), a local of Mandla, two sculptors amid a crowd of painters, also aim to follow in the footsteps of Raza.
While Singh hopes to open her own studio some day and teach children, Netam simply wants to freewheel around the world and live off his love for art.
"At first my parents were against me pursuing fine arts as a career, but a school teacher supported me. Now my younger brother is also learning to paint and sculpt like me.
"I want to have my own studio to exhibit my work, where I can also teach kids how to sculpt and paint," Singh said, before getting back to her half-chiseled sculpture of a pair of slippers symbolic of the struggles of everyday life.
While most of the artists took part in the workshop from their respective institutes, there were independent entries too -- artists who have been finding work, often meagre, through their skills.
Painting the image of a setting sun over Narmada from memory is self-taught artist Ashok Sonwani (38) from Mali Moh village.
Painting for over 20 years now, he has been fortunate enough to be able to support his family of five, with the works offered to him by the zila panchayat and kala dirgha.
"I started painting for the love of it, but over the years it has turned out to be a decision worth making. I get work from the zila panchayat and kala dirgha here. They also recommend me further.
"I painted a tiger at the head office of World Wildlife Federation in Delhi for their tiger project," he said.
Several artists used the workshop to celebrate the lives and struggles of the tribals in the area.
With formal education only till 8th standard and no training in arts, Manoj Garhpal (30) from Baihar village in Balaghat district tries to depict the life of Baiga tribe and the rich wildlife in Kanha National Park in his art.
"Due to Kanha Reserve I can sell my paintings at the shop outside the park, which gets me Rs 10,000 -15,000 per month. Mostly foreigners show interest in tribal paintings based on the Baiga tribes there.
"Although the earning is not enough, but since my brother is a farmer, I can pursue my love for paintings," Garhpal, who drew a baoli or a step well based on Raza's iconic 'Bindu', said.
While the workshop concluded yesterday, a concert of nirgun music among other programmes have been lined up by the Foundation to pay tribute to the artist.
Hindustani classical singer Kalapini Komkali, daughter and disciple of Pandit Kumar Gandharva, will perform soulful renditions of nirgun music tomorrow.
"This is a humble initiative to pay tribute to the generosity and magnificent oeuvre of works of Raza Sahab. His contribution as a painter is immense and the legacy he left behind is prodigious and priceless," Ashok Vajpeyi, Managing Trustee, Raza Foundation, said.
The programmes are being organised by the foundation with the help of Ma Rewa Sewa Maha Aarti Samiti, Rapta Dham, Mandla, and the people of Mandla.
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