An Award well deserved-1
When I heard and read about the prestigious ‘Kalidas Samman’ award being given to our city artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat, I was delighted no end. Getting awards and rewards are not rare for him. But this one is special.
When I moved my residence to an area near Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel in Mysuru east in the new millennium 2000 AD, I chose nearby helipad for my morning walk. One morning a young man of about 40 years in jubba-pyjama with pepper and salt visage, an ashen mark on forehead followed me for a short distance, fell in step with me and then said, “Namaskara Sir, are you not Ganapathy?” in chaste Kannada.
I stopped, smiled and responded positively. Then began our walk-the-talk, getting to know each other. That day on, almost every morning we were each other’s company for morning walk. And we became friends too. He was Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat. A fine artist famous as the reviver of an almost extinct Ganjifa art.
Later, I learnt he was also a winner of many awards, including a National award. Ganjifa is a miniature painting of Gods or calligraphy on small playing cards, either square or round in shape. It is among other two ancient Indian games played by the Kings, Mughals, rich and famous — dice and chess.
Later, I learnt he was also a winner of many awards, including a National award. Ganjifa is a miniature painting of Gods or calligraphy on small playing cards, either square or round in shape. It is among other two ancient Indian games played by the Kings, Mughals, rich and famous — dice and chess.
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