Meet Bijay Kumar Parida: A Maestro of Traditional Indian Art

Meet Bijay Kumar Parida: A Maestro of Traditional Indian Art ; Winner of the “Pratima Shilpi Samman 2024”

🌱 Background:

In the colorful realm of Indian traditional art, Bijay Kumar Parida stands out as a masterful creator of cultural heritage. Born on May 19th, 1958, to the late Maher Parida, Bijay’s journey began in the lanes of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where his talent took root and flourished.

Educational Pursuits and Artistic Inklings:

A passion for art led Bijay through the corridors of ME School and straight into the heart of Patta painting. He excelled with top honors from the Handicraft Design and Training Centre, under the guidance of the Government of Odisha.

Guidance Under Gurus:

Bijay’s skills were honed under the watchful eyes of traditional maestros. Five transformative years with Guru Shri Gokul Bihari Pattnaik imbued him with the intricate skills of Patta Chitra and Palm Leaf Engraving, a foundation that would support a lifetime of creation and accolades.

A Chronicle of Awards and Honors:

• 2018: His expertise in palm leaf engraving earned him the revered title of Shilp Guru.
• 1996: The National Award for Handicrafts recognized his exceptional palm leaf engraving.
• 1988: The Merit Certificate on National Award and the State Award from the Directorate of Industries for his work on coconut painting.
• 1981:The State Lalita Kala Academy Award for best art work on Palm Leaf engraving.
• 2003:The Utkal Jyoti Award for his devotion to Odisha’s traditional art.
• 1988: State Award from directorate of Industries (Handicrafts Department) for eexcellentpainting on coconut.
  -1980: Artist Award from Andhra Pradesh Council for Best Drawing work of miniature painting on Patta canvas.
  -2012: Rajiv Gandhi Sanaman.
  -2015: Jay Kiran Award.
• 2018: Shilip Gaurav J.K. Foundation Art & Culture, Bhubaneswar.
  -2020: Lalit Kala Academy Shilpi Sambardhana Award.

Bijay’s talent has not just earned him awards but also the recognition from esteemed personalities, including the Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Pattnaik, Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingh Dev and cultural icons like Padmashree Padmabhusan Raghunath Mohapatra and Padmashree Sudarsan Sahoo.

Exhibition Excellence:

Bijay’s artistry has graced international stages, including exhibitions in Warsaw and Zimbabwe, and nationally celebrated platforms like Chitra Mahotsav in Mumbai. His pieces have been the highlight of prestigious events and have inspired many through his participation in seminars and workshops.

Legacy and Specialization:

Bijay’s repertoire spans the full gamut of traditional painting, including wooden items and large-scale traditional paintings displayed in the Srikrisna Museum, Haryana. His life’s work extends beyond creation, as he serves as a board member at Lalit Kala Academy, Bhubaneswar, nurturing the next generation of artists.

Bijay Kumar Parida’s life resonates with the essence of Odisha’s rich artistic heritage. Through his brushes, the stories of Mahabharat and Krishna Lila have found new canvases and continued their immortal dance. He is not just an artist; he is a custodian of tradition, a guru in the true sense, and a shining beacon for Indian culture.