THE GREAT CREATIVE PERSONALITY DR. DINANATH PATHY : THE MAESTRO OF COLOURS AND WORDS.

Sanjay Bhatt 

In the vast expanse of Indian artistry and literature, Dr. Dinanath Pathy emerges as a luminary, his legacy shining as a beacon of creativity and intellect. Born in 1942 in Digapahandi, a beautiful village nestled in the picturesque state of Odisha, Dr. Pathy was a polymath who graced the world with his multifaceted genius as a painter, author, visualizer, and art historian.

Dr. Pathy’s journey was a vivid decoration , woven with the vibrant hues of his artistic creations and the profound narratives he penned. His canvas was not confined to paint and brush alone; he also masterfully crafted words that danced with the same elegance and depth as his visual art. His contributions to the spheres of art and literature were as rich and diverse as the cultural heritage of Odisha, the land that nurtured his talent.

As the former Secretary of the esteemed Lalit Kala Akademi in both New Delhi and Bhubaneswar, Dr. Pathy played a pivotal role in sculpting the Indian art landscape. His influence extended beyond his own creations; as the founding principal of the B.K. College of Art and Crafts in Bhubaneswar, he became a mentor to countless aspiring artists, cultivating a garden of creativity that continues to flourish.

Dr. Pathy's brilliance was recognized and celebrated throughout his career. The President of India's Silver Plaque for painting acknowledged his unparalleled mastery of color and form, while the Odisha Sahitya Academy Award honored his literary prowess, particularly his autobiographical masterpiece, "Digapahandira Drawing Master." His relentless pursuit of knowledge and artistic exploration earned him the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship, underscoring his commitment to unraveling the mysteries of art through rigorous research.

In 2014, his illustrious career reached new heights when he was nominated for the International Rietberg Award by the Rietberg Society, a global recognition of his invaluable contributions to Indian art history. Dr. Pathy's influence transcended national boundaries, establishing him as a revered figure within the international art community.

Dr. Pathy's literary legacy is as profound as his visual one. Authoring over 50 books in English, Odia, and German, he bridged the past and present, exploring the depths of classical, traditional, tribal, folk, rural, and contemporary art of Odisha. His writings are like brushstrokes on the canvas of cultural history, vividly depicting the artistic heritage of his homeland.

Though Dr. Dinanath Pathy departed from this world in 2016, his artistic and literary legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations to come. His name is etched in the annals of art and literature, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of creativity. For all who dare to dream in colors and words, Dr. Pathy’s life and work stand as a guiding light, illuminating the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.