Shri Ashok Kumar Biswas, a renowned folk artist from Bihar, has been conferred the prestigious Padma Shri Award for his extraordinary contribution to the field of Art, particularly for reviving and popularizing the traditional Tikuli art form.
Hailing from Bhagalpur district, Biswas has dedicated over five decades to preserving this intricate and ancient painting style that originated during the Mauryan period. Tikuli art, characterized by its bold colors, mythological themes, and glass-like finish on hardboard, was nearly forgotten until his intervention breathed new life into it.
What sets Shri Biswas apart is not just his artistic excellence but also his commitment to community upliftment. He has trained over 8,000 women from rural and economically weaker backgrounds in Tikuli painting, empowering them with livelihood opportunities and preserving a cultural legacy in the process.
His artworks have been showcased in national and international exhibitions, bringing global attention to Bihar’s rich artistic heritage. The honor of receiving the Padma Shri from the President of India stands as a recognition of both his individual brilliance and his collective impact on society.
The people of Bihar and the wider art community celebrate this proud moment, as Shri Ashok Kumar Biswas continues to inspire a new generation of artists and artisans across India.
