A few diligent minds from different walks of life wanted to create an impact in the field of art, culture and literature and Ketaki Foundation Trust, Bhubaneswar came into being. We at KFT aim to preserve and promote the Art, Culture & Literature of Odisha at the national level and to facilitate the placement of the artists’ works in public collections, promote awareness of artists’ lives and works through scholarly research and documentation, exhibitions and publications and educational and collaborative projects involving research on the history of art, craft, culture and architecture. We firmly believe that our efforts in this direction will contribute significantly to the betterment of society through art.

The Trust organised a Painters’ Camp from 10th to 15th September 2019 bringing together ten Odia painters of repute working in different spheres in India at Aranya Nivas, Lulung amidst the pristine environs of the Simlipal Biosphere Reserve Forest, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. The camp theme was – I am with Nature.

The painters who participated in the camp included Bhabani Shankar Das, Bibhu Patnaik, Birendra Pani, Ramakanta Samantaray, Ranjan Maharana, Satyabhusan Hota, Sudhansu Sutar, Susanta Kumar Panda, Veejayant Kumar Dash and Ramahari Jena.

The Chief Guest, Shri Vishal Dev, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism and Sports, Government of Odisha felicitated the painters and delivered a very inspiring lecture. He spent quality time discussing the future plans of the Trust and suggested that the camp be made an annual event and experssed his willingness to support the endeavour in every possible way. The Convener, Sri Ramahari Jena gave brief introductions of the partipating painters. The Managing Trustee of Ketaki Foundation Trust, Sri Jyoti Ranjan Swain explained the aims and objectives of the Trust and the camp. The Convener and the participants also reflected upon the life and achievements of the eminent artist, late Dr. Dinanath Pathy, in whose memory the camp was organised. The felicitation of the artists was followed by a Chau dance programme. The Chief Guest, along with the team of painters and others, enjoyed the captivating performance of Chau presented by a local troupe. Throughout the duration of the camp, emphasis was laid on intimately engaging with the local populace.

To connect meaningfully with local people, the artists went to Lulung Government UP School and held a painting workshop there and interacted with the school children. The students had a wonderful time drawing and painting with the painters and produced beautiful works of art. A highlight of the programme was the inclusion of the tiny tots of the local anganbadi centre in the activity. An art workshop was also organised for the womenfolk of Lulung tribal village. They enthusiastically displayed their traditional art of jhoti chita. This workshop really brought out the artists in these women, who embodied intrinsic vaules like simplicity, innocence and a love for beauty. The participating painters went for a visit to the Belgadia Palace to explore the colonial architecture of Baripada had a glimpse of the richness of the royal heritage of Mayurbhanj.

Early morning, outdoor yoga sessions were a highlight of the camp. Jungle trails and trekkings took the participating painters deep into the forest. They were overwhelmed when they came face to face with unbridled nature. Films on the Simlipal forest were screened in the evening.

Each evening was filled with cultural programmes including Chhau and Jhumar. The painters exchanged ideas with the folk artists about the intricacies of their art forms and their lives. The insights of the artists gained through their encounter with nature, their exposure to the heritage of Mayurbhanj and the simplicity and enthuciasm of the local populace and their interaction with performing artists came to find an eloquent experience in the works they produced in the camp.

On the concluding day of the camp, the prominent architect, Sri S. S. Ray delivered an illustrative talk on the state’s architectural past. The former King of Mayurbhanj Raja Sri Praveen Chandra Bhanjadeo and Rani Sahiba graced the occasion as special guests and they shared their views on the culture and tradition of Mayurbhanj and fascinating stories pertaining to them. Their talks drew on their vast experience and knowledge.