Karkala’s miniature painter Kamal Ahmed Malekoppa honoured by President Murmu

Karkala: Renowned miniature painter Kamal Ahmed Malekoppa, a native of Gadag district and currently residing in Karkala, was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu after participating in the Artist-in-Residence programme held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The 10-day programme brought together 12 artists from across India, representing traditional art forms such as Banaras mural, Thangka, Nayak, Kerala mural, Basohli, Surpur and Mysuru styles.

Kamal Ahmed has been practising miniature painting for nearly three decades. He has drawn inspiration from the Vijayanagara Garudadri style and has developed a distinctive style of his own.

As part of the programme, he created an artwork at Rashtrapati Bhavan and displayed two artworks in total. One of the works was based on stories from the Panchatantra.

President Droupadi Murmu interacted with the participating artists and viewed their works. She appreciated their contribution towards preserving India's traditional art forms and passing them on to future generations.

The Artist-in-Residence programme was organised to celebrate India's artistic heritage and promote traditional art forms while strengthening the country's cultural identity. Malekoppa's selection has also brought national recognition to the Vijayanagara Garudadri-inspired painting tradition.

Kamal Ahmed previously worked as an art teacher for 18 years at Government High School in Shivapura, Hebri taluk, Udupi district. His artworks are displayed on the walls of government office buildings in Hebri and at various institutions.

Speaking about his selection for the programme, Malekoppa expressed happiness at getting the opportunity to participate in the prestigious event at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He described the experience as an unforgettable moment in his life and said the recognition had brought national attention to the Vijayanagara Garudadri-inspired painting style and its place in India's artistic heritage.