Bokaro: Renowned painter and Presidential Award recipient Saroj Mishra was accorded a grand felicitation during the concluding ceremony of a three-day international painting workshop held in Kashi (Varanasi) from June 4 to 6. The event was jointly organized by Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith and the Kashika Art Organization.
The workshop brought together nearly 50 artists from across India and abroad, transforming the ancient city into a vibrant canvas of creativity. Participants portrayed the essence of Banaras through acrylic and watercolor paintings, capturing its iconic ghats, temples, cultural traditions, and everyday life.
The programme was inaugurated by Sunil Kumar Vishwakarma, Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Lalit Kala Akademi and Head of the Fine Arts Department at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, along with Prof. Uttama Dixit of Banaras Hindu University. Several distinguished artists and art scholars, including former BHU department head Arvind Shukla, Kashika Artist Group President Omprakash Gupta, and Odisha-based artist Pratap Rawat, were present on the occasion.
Artists from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, Bihar, and Uttarakhand, as well as participants from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Mexico, showcased their works during the workshop, highlighting diverse artistic styles and cultural expressions.
Among the participants, Saroj Mishra’s artworks and unique artistic techniques received special appreciation from fellow artists and visitors alike. Recognizing his contribution to the field of art, the organizers honored him with a memento and traditional ceremonial attire during the valedictory session.
Currently serving as an art teacher at Sri Ayyappa Public School, Bokaro, Mishra is widely known for promoting tribal art forms among students and working towards the preservation of indigenous artistic traditions.
Organizers said the workshop served as a valuable platform for artistic exchange and cultural dialogue while offering fresh perspectives on the heritage of Banaras. They also expressed plans to continue organizing similar events to encourage emerging artists and strengthen cultural collaborations in the future.
