ICAR-CCARI organized a ‘Workshop on Kaavi: A Heritage Soil Art’

     ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, organized a unique ‘Workshop on Kaavi: A Heritage Soil Art’ on 7^th November 2024 to highlight the importance of this ancient art form, deeply rooted in the soil and connecting people to the earth through a rich cultural heritage. Renowned young Kaavi artist, Shri Sagar Naik Mule, who has played a vital role in rejuvenating this traditional art, served as the resource person for the workshop. The workshop was organized to promote soil science education through eco-friendly soil art in light of the International Decade of Soils (2014–2024), the upcoming Global Soil Conference in New Delhi from 19–22 November 2024, and World Soil Day 2024.

Shri Sagar Naik Mule has received national recognition, including a special mention from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program. He has been honoured with several state and national awards for his tireless efforts and innovative approaches to make this heritage art more accessible, transforming it from 'Wall to Canvas' and developing new techniques to adapt it. An exhibition of his diverse artworks and paintings was displayed during the workshop, visited by all staff members. Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, CCARI, congratulated Shri Sagar Naik Mule on his contributions to this unique art form and his efforts to elevate Indian soil art to a global level. Dr. Manish Das, Director, ICAR - Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand, Gujrat, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, appreciating the participants and resource person for promoting this heritage soil art.

A total of 25 participants from diverse backgrounds, including Fine Arts students, B.Ed. college students, CCARI staff, and their children, enthusiastically participated in this hands-on Kaavi soil art workshop, creating beautiful soil paintings under Shri Sagar's guidance. Dr. Gopal Mahajan, Senior Scientist (Soil Science), Shri Vinod Ubarhande, ACTO (Farm Superintendent), and Shri Rahul Kulkarni, ACTO (Agronomy), coordinated the workshop, with assistance from Shri Vishwajeet Prajapati, Shri Datta Velip, Shri Manish Patel, Shri Omkar Sawant, and the soil science lab and farm staff, who contributed to the workshop’s success.