Wood craftsman Ajay Mandavi selected for prestigious Padma award paid a courtesy call on chief minister

Raipur: Ajay Mandavi, a wood craftsman selected for the prestigious Padma awards paid a courtesy call on chief minister Bhupesh Baghel at his residence office on Thursday evening. Baghel congratulated and gave best wishes to Mandavi for being selected for one of the highest civilian honors of India.

Chief minister Baghel said wood artist Mandavi is the pride of not only Kanker district but also of Chhattisgarh. The wonderful art and craft of this artist belonging to the tribal community have given the state a new identity. The heights he touched in the field of art with his own limited resources without any formal training and without any kind of financial support are commendable and inspiring for the coming generation.

Meanwhile, Mandavi has done many exemplary works throughout his artistic journey. One such is the ‘Shanta Arts Art Group’ which is a group of prisoners, most of whose members have left Naxalite violence at different times and have joined the mainstream of society through art. This also serves as a rehabilitation for prisoners to earn money in an ethical way. Its instructor and guide are wood artist Ajay Mandavi, who apart from teaching the art to the inmates, prepares them psychologically to lead a dignified life as better human beings in society. He also creates a better social environment for these inmates.