Paresh Rathwa
Paresh Rathwa | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 17, 1968 Chhota Udaipur, Gujarat, India |
| Occupation | Traditional Pithora painter |
| Awards |
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Paresh Rathwa (b. 17 August 1968[1])is a traditional Pithora painter from Chhota Udaipur district, Gujarat, India.[2]
He is known for his expertise in Pithora painting, a ritualistic art form practiced by the Rathwa, Bhil, and Bhilala tribes.
In 2023, He Paresh Rathwa was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for his exceptional contribution to the preservation and promotion of Pithora art.[3][4]
He has shown his work at events like the G20 Summit, sharing the beauty of tribal art with people around the world.[5]
Digital initiatives
Rathwa is a beneficiary of the Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Program (TEDP), a joint initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and ASSOCHAM.[6][7] Through TEDP, he learned digital skills and began promoting Pithora paintings on Facebook and WhatsApp.[7] His digital presence has helped raise awareness about tribal art and inspired younger generations to engage with traditional crafts.[7]
Awards
- Padma Shri in 2023.[8]
- Gujarat Travel and Tourism Excellence Award 2021 in the Best Handicraft category, awarded by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel.[7]
- State Award in 2018 for his contribution to Pithora painting.[7]
References
- ^ "Shri Paresh Rathwa" (PDF). www.padmaawards.gov.in. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
- ^ "TEDP Beneficiary Paresh Rathwa Gets Prestigious Award". APN News.
- ^ "Padma Awards 2023 announced". www.pib.gov.in. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ Shah, Jumana (31 January 2023). "How the 2023 Padma awards may give a new lease of life to waning Gujarati art forms". India Today. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
- ^ ANI (9 September 2023). "Pareshbhai Rathwa's Pithora painting at G20 exhibition depiction of aesthetics, tradition". ThePrint. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
- ^ "The Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Program". www.assocham.org. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
- ^ a b c d e ANI (9 September 2023). "Pareshbhai Rathwa's Pithora painting at G20 exhibition depiction of aesthetics, tradition". ThePrint. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
- ^ https://trifed.tribal.gov.in/aadi-chitra-national-tribal-painting-exhibition-was-inaugurated-renowned-jehangir-art-gallery