Overview

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Jeevan Joshi during his Mann Ki Baat address, bringing national attention to the artist's unique craft of sculpting with dried pine bark.
• Joshi, a 65-year-old artist from Haldwani, Uttarakhand, has been creating culturally significant sculptures for over 20 years, capturing the essence of the region's heritage.
• Despite being affected by polio since childhood, Joshi continues to innovate in his art and trains local youth, helping to preserve traditional crafts.
• His work, which includes replicas of pilgrimage sites and folk instruments, has earned him accolades such as the Kala Sadhak Samman and a Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture.
• Joshi expressed pride and gratitude for the Prime Minister's recognition, hoping it will further promote his art and support local employment in the region.