Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami lauded local artist Jeevan Joshi from Haldwani, whose unique art form called 'Baket' was recently highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his monthly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
In a Facebook post, CM Dhami highlighted that the Prime Minister in his ‘Man ki Baat’ recognised Joshi’s inspiring journey of creating 'Baket' art despite physical challenges. “Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji mentioned the 'Baket' art of Shri Jeevan Joshi of Haldwani in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program. The form that Jeevan Ji has given to the folk culture and creativity of Uttarakhand through the ‘Baket’ art, overcoming physical challenges, is truly unique,” Dhami said.
Earlier, PM Modi shared Jeevan Joshi’s story on the show, highlighting the artist’s courage and creativity despite being affected by polio from childhood. Modi said, “I want to tell you about a wonderful person who is an artist as well as a living inspiration. His name is Jeevan Joshi; age 65 years. Now imagine how full of life one who has 'Jeevan' in one's name itself must be. Jeevan ji lives in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. During childhood, polio took away the strength of his legs, but polio could not snatch his courage.”
"Even though his walking speed slowed down, his mind kept soaring on every flight of imagination. In this flight, Jeevan ji gave birth to a unique art... he named it 'Baget'. In this, he makes beautiful art pieces from the dry bark that falls off pine trees. The very bark, which people generally consider useless - becomes a heritage as soon as it comes into Jeevan ji's hands." PM Modi added.
Praising Jeevan Joshi, PM Modi said his work is not just an art but a 'sadhna'.
"Every creation of his bears the fragrance of the soil of Uttarakhand. Sometimes it is the folk instruments of the hills, and at times it seems as if the soul of the hills has permeated that wood. Jeevan ji's work is not just art, it is a sadhana." he added," he said.
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