Patangarh has now emerged as new-found pilgrimage destination for art connoisseurs and painters. Located in Karanjiya development block of Dindori, a tribal district in eastern Madhya Pradesh, Patangarh is a small village that has carved out a distinct place for itself on the global map, shining like the Pole Star.
An exceptionally gifted Gond artist Jangarh Singh Shyam was born in Patangarh. He rose to the pinnacle of fame during his lifetime. Although he passed away at a young age, he enlivened the traditional Gond art form, an invaluable cultural heritage of his community.
Thanks to his artistic genius, several talented Gond artists are not only earning their livelihoods through painting but also enriching this art form continuously with their creative pursuits and
Patangarh is a village of around 300 households, all belonging to the Gond community or its sub-caste, the Pradhan. Every household has a painter. They have become ambassadors of thier well-preserved Gondpainting.Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is also extending wholehearted encouragement and support to the Gond artists. Emboldened by dextrously nourished skills, the new generation of Gond painters is participating in national and international solo and group exhibitions. Gond painting has also received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which has helped sustain its demand in art markets across the world. The credit for discovering the extraordinary talent of Jangarh Singh Shyam goes to the renowned art connoisseur, thinker and painter, late J. Swaminathan.
As the country celebrates JanjatiyaGauravDiwas, it is pertinent to underline Madhya Pradesh's unique Gond painting tradition. The growing interest among urban communities and art enthusiasts in Gond paintings has taken their popularity across the globe.
EntreprisingYoung Artist
AtmaramShyam is a young Gond artist from Sunpuri, a village near Patangarh. He has been actively pursuing his career as an artist in Bhopal for the past seven years or so. He is
Through his paintings, he expresses the cultural identity, traditional knowledge and lifestyle of tribal communities on canvas. For him, the objective is not merely to create paintings; he also wants to pass on his culture and traditions to future generations.
A postgraduate in Fine Arts, Atmaramaccomplished his schooling upto Class XII in Dindori. He developed interest in painting during childhood. His uncle, Narmada Prasad Tekam, is an established artist who guided and encouraged him. His elder sister, SushilaShyam, is also an accomplished painter and taught him the finer aspects of the art.
Elaborating on the themes of his paintings, Atmaram says, "The Tree of Life and nature, animals, birds and wildlife, the culture and traditions of the Gond community, tribal festivals, customs and folk tales, forests, rivers, mountains and the environment, traditional musical instruments and folk life, as well as the relationship between human beings and nature, are among my favourite subjects."
Atmaram has participated in several national and international exhibitions and art festivals. His dedication to art has earned him numerous awards and honours. These include a Gold Award in 2022 and an International Art Award in 2021. He also received a special award for his live art demonstration at an international trade fair.
At the BRICS Summit held in Indore, his paintings received appreciation from foreign delegates, particularly those from the United States, who also purchased his artworks. One of his paintings was presented to the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Australia in his name.
Notable Achievements
Atmaram got an opportunity to demonstrate his skills through a live painting session at a special meeting of the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet held in Bhopal. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav
Atmaram has also started teaching and training students and youngsters in Gond painting. He conducts training sessions for college students and organises art workshops. He believes that this is an important way of connecting tribal youth with their traditional art heritage.He says, "It is our responsibility to identify local talents and encourage them. Every citizen should stay aware of tribal culture and heritage. The younger generation must be proud of its artistic heritage and cultural identity."
Art Education and Training
With an aim of teaching young people the finer aspects of painting, AtmaramShyam recently organised a series of art workshops in Dindori district. The primary objective was to connect local children and youth with art, nurture their creativity and enhance awareness about tribal art and cultural heritage.
Atmaram believes that art education should not be confined to major cities and institutions. It must also reach young people in rural and tribal areas so that they can explore opportunities in art and creative entrepreneurship. He expresses gratitude to the Madhya Pradesh Government for its encouragement and support in promoting the arts. He believes that art is the most effective medium for raising awareness and sensitivity towards culture, history and nature.
