From Berhampur to Rashtrapati Bhawan; Odisha youth impresses President Droupadi Murmu with his fine arts skill 

When there is a will there is a way. The quote goes well with Pratap Badatya, a fine art artist from Badakusasthali area in Berhampur who defied all odds to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi and impress President Droupadi Murmu with his skills during an art exhibition.

Badatya, who was once forced to quit his studies due to poor financial condition, never stopped chasing his dreams. Badatya went to Surat in Gujarat to earn his livelihood. He toiled hard to make ends meet, but his passion for the art remained ignited within him.

After working for several years in Surat, he returned to his village and appeared in the Matriculation examination. After clearing the annual exam, he first went to Bhubaneswar and later to Mumbai to enhance his skills in the fine arts.

In a remarkable achievement, Badatya recently made a part of the ‘SRIJAN 2024’ an Artist-in-Residency initiative and got a chance to stay in the Rashtrapati Bhavan for seven days along with 13 other artists from across the country.

The 13 artists, who are part of the Residency programme, include some senior artists like Vasudeo Kamath, Nihar Das and Kavita Nayar as well as budding artists like Jayashree Jena and Manish Kumar Gond. 

During their stay, artists participated in various activities like painting workshops, and panel discussions to which students from various schools and colleges of Delhi were invited.

President Droupadi Murmu witnessed the Art Exhibition at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and praised the artists. These paintings will be exhibited in the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum for the public.

Expressing joy over the opportunity, Badatya said, “I drew inspiration from my brother and learnt skill from him. I have reached here due to constant support from my family, friends and well-wishers.”

Sharing details about his future plans, he said, “As a professional artist, I am planning to open my studio.”

Elated over his son’s success, Anusuya Badatya, said, “He is much inclined towards painting since childhood. He has always dreamt of earning a name through his paintings.”