Young artist Sagar Naik Mule from Adpoi – Ponda was taken by surprise as he received praise and that too from Prime Minister Narendra Modi who in Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, took not only cognizance but also appreciated and introduced 31 year old Sagar Mule to the nation for initiative in reviving and protecting the oldest Kaavi form of Goan Paintings art. The one from red laterite clay is almost on the verge of extinction. In this form of old art, instead of colours the paint is derived from clay mud. The name Kaavi is derived from the local name for the maroon red pigment from laterite.
Sagar said Kavi art has history that predates the Portuguese era. He said these paintings have a Goan origin with most of the really old temple walls were once upon a time painted and decorated with this form of art which is still visible in some temples. However with the passage of time sadly in recent times Goans seem obsessed with modernization and some of the oldest temples have been demolished. They are being rebuilt with concrete structure and the Kaavi form of painting seems forgotten. However, luckily now after the PM showering praise, Sagar speaking to Herald said he now receives huge support and wishes from Goans and wants to revive and spread the traditional art. Sagar also hoped these paintings would come back on Goan temples.
Sagar said “I do not just copy and repeat the Kaavi motifs that were done by artists centuries ago. I felt that would serve no purpose. I use the motifs of Kaavi and fit them into my contemporary works”. He said there was a need to adapt style into his contemporary art for it to be revived in modern times.
When asked how he learnt about this art he said he had read about it in newspapers and books about the Kaavi art and being a artist decided to learn and revive it while giving it a modern touch. He said he started this art in 2020 and has so far done around 20 arts which have been sold in various parts of the country including Delhi. He first drew the painting of goddess Navdurga, then Goddess Shantadurga and Goddess Manguesh besides also painting Goan lifestyle. Recently he also drew a painting of Mother Mary with infant Jesus. Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant contacted him on the phone and congratulated him for preserving the Kaavi art.
Sagar who is passionate about art has converted his house into a studio for his paintings. He has also been felicitated for his arts and various works by various agencies including the government. His Kaavi paintings are now seen on the walls of a hotel in Mumbai. He said on Sunday he received a call from Akashwani , Pune for an interview. At first he thought it was a fraudulent call but he was pleasantly surprised when he learned he was mentioned by the Prime Minister and felt it was a great honour.
In Mann Ki Baat PM Modi appreciated him for preserving the centuries old Kaavi painting art and saving it from extinction and also urged youths to imbibe the ideal of Sagar Mule. PM Modi said “Kaavi form of painting shows the ancient history of India. Actually ‘Kavaa’ means red soil. In ancient India red clay was used in this art. He further said during the Portuguese rule in Goa, Goans who migrated to other states introduced them the wonderful painting form”. With the passage of time this art was on verge of extinction but Sagar Mule ji has infused new lease of life to this art. He said even small efforts can make huge contribution in preservation of our rich arts.
The Adpoi locals expressed happiness over PM Modi appreciating the youth of Adpoi. After graduating from Goa College of Arts, Mule completed his masters from Sarojini School of Fine Arts, Hyderabad.