Students beautify college walls with murals and Hase Chittara patterns in Karnataka

Colourful wall murals and intricate Hase chittara designs warmly greet everyone visiting Sahyadri Commerce and Management College, a constituent college of Kuvempu University, in Shivamogga. A striking portrait of Kuvempu, at the entrance, immediately catches the eye, setting the cultural tone for the campus.

Visitors often appreciating the skills and the creativity of the artists, enquire with the college administration about the talented artists behind the artwork. The administration takes pride in revealing that the creators are none other than students on the same campus – Rihan A. and Meghana K.S.

Rihan is a final-year BA student at Sahyadri Arts College. Meghana is a final-year B.Com student at Sahyadri Commerce College. They have transformed the plain walls of the campus into living canvases of creativity and tradition. Both students feel a sense of joy knowing that they will remain on the campus even after they graduate. Their artistic journey has been supported by principal Professor T. Avinash and, Prof. Prakash Margananahalli of the Department of Kannada.

Rihan A.,with his portrait of Kuvempu at the entrance of Sahyadri Commerce and Management College in Shivamogga, Karnataka.
| Photo Credit:
S.K. Dinesh

Rihan is a native of Yedehalli in Bhadravati taluk. He began doodling as a child, and his sketches drew appreciation from parents and relatives. His teachers in school and pre-university college supported his talent. By Class 9, he had begun writing signboards and wall murals for paltry sums. Over the years, he painted numerous Nali-Kali educational panels at many government schools.

When he joined the Sahyadri campus for his degree, his talent was spotted by the faculty. “Motivated by the college administration, I drew paintings and signboards on the college’s walls. I am happy that the college recognised and valued my talent,” he said.

Meghana is a native of Kuruvanthe in Sagar taluk. She comes from a family of Hase artists. Hase is a traditional art form involving drawing geometric patterns. It is popular in the Malnad region of Karnataka. The artists are specially invited for marriages and other auspicious occasions.

Meghana K.S. with her Hase Chittara artwork at Sahyadri Commerce and Management College in Shivamogga, Karnataka. Noted critic Rathmath Tarikere, Principal Prof. T. Avinash, and Prof. Prakash Marganahalli are the others in the photo.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Meghana picked up the skill by observing her grandmother Halamma and mother Saroja. When she joined Sahyadri College two years ago, she caught the attention of the faculty, as she mentioned Hase drawings as her hobby in the introductory class. She was thrilled at being given the opportunity.

“I am fortunate that I received encouragement from the principal and the staff. I am happy that even after my final exams, a part of me will remain in the college through my artwork,” said Meghana.

Beyond the college buildings and hostel walls, both artists have painted during the National Service Schemes camps held in several villages around Shivamogga. Their work has received appreciation from the villagers.