Second Generation Rajasthani Artist, Shri Dharmendra Yati. Man with a clear mission!

Shri Dharmendra Yati, born in Beawar, is a second generation traditional artist. He has a personal mission to promote the beautiful and rich heritage of Rajasthani paintings to the world.

His father, Shri Kanhaiyalal Yati, started his career as an artist in 1965, researching and working on the traditional style of Rajasthani paintings. Dharmendra says, “during those times, there were hardly any artist who knew how to create traditional paintings. His father encouraged the younger generation to take up this beautiful art form”

Shri Kanhaiyalal started a scheme for the children of poor families, encouraging them to take up traditional Rajasthani art. This scheme was called “ Seekho Kamavo Yogna” meaning ” Learn and Earn”. Thousands of children have benefited from this scheme and have managed to make a livelihood for themselves and their families. Shri Dharmendra says, “This has helped both our traditional art and poor families”

Shri Dharmendra later joined his father, learnt traditional painting from him and started to create absolutely amazing Pichwai and other styles of Rajasthani traditional paintings. He also encouraged poor girls and women to take up this art, so that they could earn a decent living, go to school and take up studies. Many more families have benefited from his kindness and generosity.

I spoke to his son, Yash Jayanthi, who is currently doing his Bachelor’s degree. Jash says he is proud of his fathers and grandfather’s contribution to revive traditional art. He is now also learning this rich art form and would like to continue to take this forward to the next generation.

Shri Dharmendra says with a lot of pride, “This is traditional art of Rajasthan, followed from the ancient times of Kings and Queens. This ancient history is kept alive through the art and we are very proud to be part of this journey”

We had lots of fun working with Dharmendra Ji and his son to help set up their On-line Gallery, Art and Craft Cottage. The gallery is filled with so many beautiful collections of Rajasthani paintings. All art lovers of the world can now enjoy his paintings and buy directly from his gallery.

We wish Shri Dharmendra Ji and his family all the very best for future,

Senthil Vel

International Indian Folk Art Gallery