Patna: More than 20 artists are participating in a training workshop in Patna aimed at reviving Patna Kalam, Bihar’s traditional painting style. The workshop, jointly organised by Bapu Tower and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), began on Wednesday and will continue till Nov 4.Inaugurating the 12th edition of the Patna Kalam painting training programme, Bapu Tower director Vinay Kumar said Mahatma Gandhi had consistently promoted handmade artworks and products. He noted that Gandhi had encouraged Indian art by organising exhibitions featuring works of eminent artists like Nandalal Bose during Congress sessions. Kumar said Patna Kalam could be revitalised further by incorporating contemporary themes while preserving its traditional essence.Intach Patna chapter convener Bhairav Lal Das said plans were underway to organise workshops, exhibitions and training programmes for Patna Kalam artists in New Delhi. He added that efforts were also being made to secure a geographical indication (GI) tag for the art form.Gandhian thinker Manoj Meeta said interest in Patna Kalam was witnessing a revival among artists across Bihar. Highlighting changing participation trends, Bapu Tower joint secretary Kiran Kumari said women artists now outnumber men in a field that was once largely male-dominated.Bapu Tower deputy director Lalit Kumar Singh said the institution would continue its efforts to reconnect younger generations with traditional artistic practices that are gradually fading. He thanked Intach for partnering with Bapu Tower to promote and preserve the heritage art form.Senior artist Jitendra Mohan stressed the importance of regular practice for mastering the finer aspects of Patna Kalam. Intach Bihar chapter co-convener Shiv Kumar Mishra said the organisation would continue to work towards popularising the art form through exhibitions, training programmes and commercial opportunities for artists.Among those participating in the workshop are Anita Singh, Amrita, Pallavi, Vicky Kumar Soni, Amrita Shambhavi, Ritek Raj, Kumari Isha Singh, Sonali Kumari, Surbhi Rani, Nikita Kumari and Anam Javed.
