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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted Jeevan Joshi's extraordinary pine bark artistry in his 'Mann Ki Baat' program. Despite his physical challenges due to polio, Joshi has crafted stunning sculptures depicting pilgrimage sites, musical instruments, and more. His dedication has earned him recognition nationally and internationally, as well as a Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture. Joshi's work not only exemplifies the power of resilience and passion but also highlights the potential for cultural arts to create jobs and retain local talent in mountainous regions.

Key Points: Modi Celebrates Jeevan Joshi's Unique Pine Bark Art

  • PM Modi lauds Jeevan Joshi's art in 'Mann Ki Baat'
  • Joshi, a polio-stricken artist, excels in pine bark sculpting
  • Ministry of Culture awards Joshi for his unique craft
  • His art promotes local employment and culture preservation
3 min read

Uttarakhand: Divyang Jeevan Joshi creates artwork on pine bark, PM Modi salutes his spirit

PM Modi praises Haldwani artist Jeevan Joshi's extraordinary pine bark craftsmanship on 'Mann Ki Baat.'

"Artists like Jeevan Chandra Joshi are our heritage. - Narendra Sharma"

Dehradun, May 25

People consider pine bark to be useless, but Jeevan Chandra Joshi, a resident of Haldwani in Uttarakhand, is bringing life to wood with his artwork. Without any modern tools, he has carved many life-like figures on the bark with his hands, and people are also amazed to see his creations.

He has made many artefacts on this bark, including a replica of pilgrimage sites like Badrinath, Kedarnath, traditional drums, musical instruments, conch, Shivling, map of India, etc.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme on Sunday, mentioned the unique wooden artwork of polio-stricken Jeevan Joshi and also praised him.

Jeevan Joshi was exhilarated and proud to know that PM Modi praised his artwork publicly.

The 65-year-old Jeevan Chandra Joshi, a resident of Katgharia, never let his physical disability affect his art. Today, he is an expert in an art that is being appreciated not only in the country but also abroad.

He is the first person to be awarded the Senior Fellowship by the Ministry of Culture for working on pine baguette, i.e. the dried bark of the pine tree. This achievement not only recognises his art but also sets an example that there is no substitute for hard work and dedication.

Joshi is suffering from polio. He has had difficulty walking since childhood, but due to his high-flying spirit, he has become self-reliant and has now become an inspiration for others. He learned the art related to wood and bark from his father.

The compulsion of not being able to go out of the house forced him to discover a different world within the house. This journey made him a master craftsman.

He told IANS that he has been practising this art for 25 to 30 years. He not only adopted this art himself but has now started training some local children in this art as well.

He believes that if the government promotes this art, migration from the mountains will stop and local people will get employment. He says that the path to self-employment lies in such arts, and there is a need to preserve and promote them.

Meanwhile, local social worker Narendra Sharma said, "Artists like Jeevan Chandra Joshi are our heritage. The government should provide a platform to such people so that their art reaches the new generation. Their story is not just an inspiration, it is a story of change."

mr/uk

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What an inspiring story! Jeevan Joshi ji proves that talent knows no boundaries. His artwork looks incredible - turning something considered waste into beautiful art. Uttarakhand's culture and spirituality shining through his creations 🙏
P
Priya M.
So heartwarming to see local artisans getting recognition! The government should definitely promote such traditional arts more. Maybe set up training centers in hill states? This could really help reduce migration as Joshi ji suggested.
A
Arjun S.
Respect++ for this amazing artist! His dedication for 25-30 years shows true passion. The Badrinath/Kedarnath replicas must be breathtaking. Would love to see his work displayed in National Museum or somewhere accessible to public.
N
Neha T.
While PM's praise is good, I hope it translates to concrete support. These artists need proper marketing platforms, maybe e-commerce tie-ups. Just Mann Ki Baat mentions won't sustain the art form. Action needed!
S
Sanjay P.
This is real "Make in India"! Using local materials, preserving culture, and creating employment. Joshi sir is a true hero - overcoming polio to master this art. His story gives me goosebumps!
M
Meena R.
Pine bark art should be introduced in school craft classes! What a wonderful way to connect children with nature and tradition. Kudos to Joshi ji for training local kids - passing on the legacy 👏

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