Shri. RAVIRAJ
B.Sc., B.F.A., M.B.A., M.A(JMC)., M.V.A., M.F.A., (Ph.D).,
“A prolific artist and a trend-setter in the promotion of Fine Art Forms par excellence and many time recipient of various State Awards and National & International level Awards”.
Mr. Raviraj Born in 9th November, hails from Hasthampatti in Salem District of Tamil Nadu, lived at Namakkal and living in Coimbatore. His mother Smt. Ranilakshmi, Father Shri. J B Seshachalam. His early education was perfunctory but Raviraj’s love of drawing was evident from the youngest age. Shri. Raviraj began his primary education at Chennai (Ainavaram) and moved to Namakkal. He completed his school education from Government high school, Namakkal. After high school studies, he studied B.Sc., (Botany) at Aringar Anna Govt. Arts College, Namakkal (1981).
- He started off by painting cinema hoardings, Drama Backdrops and signboards etc. He works for some times at ‘Rajan Arts’ at Namakkal. He first came into limelight as a painter in the late1980’s
- In the meantime, due to his father’s interest and urge he completed his post-graduation M.B.A.
- 1983 - Completed his Tamil Nadu Government Technical Examinations – Freehand outline Model Drawing; Design; Geometrical Drawing and Government Technical Teacher’s certificate course in 1984.
- 1984 – started his career as an Art Teacher in an International School at Kodaikanal. There he taught Visual Arts.
- 1985 – Received National Award from the Vice-President of India, (3rd September 1985).
- 1986 – He got Government Job at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Communication Center, Coimbatore. (From 1986 to 1995 he served as an Artist-cum-Photographer)
- During this period of time - apart from mastering the art of Painting, Shri. S. Raviraj is also trained in Bharathanatyam under Smt. Vimala Chandrasekar at Shivanjali, and Music (Vocal) under Shri. Krishnamoorthy sir. He underwent rigorous training for three years in Bharatha Natyam and Vocal Music under the able tutelage of eminent teachers. He has also been closely associated with other great masters in the field. But unfortunately, he was not able to continue his Music and Dance training.
- Studied M.A (JMC) – Journalism and Mass Communication – through off-campus mode and obtained his second Master Degree.
- He resigned his job in 1995 and went to Saudi Arabia and worked as an Art Director at Dar Okaz Advertising - Printing & Publishing firm, Jeddah for two years.
- He wrote several art books for New Century Book House Pvt. Ltd, and Vignesh Publications. Out of which – “Fundamentals of Pencil Shading”, “Freehand drawing from flat examples” and “Dictionary of Art & Design” are very popular art books and procured record sales.
- He received two State Awards from the Honourable Chief Minister on 16th January 1992; and 19th January 1996.
- As a pedestal for his visionary goals he founded In 1992 - the first institution in the District – “Lalit Kalakshetra” - giving intensive training in Fine art, Music, Dance and Crafts together – all in under one roof Nurturing individual’s Talent. Effected a meaningful move from Gurukula (Non-formal training) system to a systematic structured curriculum. Started with 4 students now it becomes 6 centres with thousands of students. Now, under Shri. Raviraj’s meticulous training of students are well-placed in great heights in their profession, all-over India, Singapore, England, Germany and the United States of America. Many of his students have been recipients of Government of India Scholarships and Central Government Awards. His disciples have participated in major Art shows at the National and International level.
- In 1996, Mr. Raviraj’s first solo Art exhibition was held at Coimbatore and soon became popular.
- FIRST OF ITS KIND IN INDIA - He Founded ‘Grading System in Fine Arts for Children’ (1992) first of its kind in India and created a holistic way - research based - innovative method of teaching Fine Arts. (Grade 1 to Grade 10). Now this system is followed by many of the Education and fine art institutions all over India.
- Founded the Course and Curriculum to the FIRST AND THE ONLY INSTITUTION IN SOUTH INDIA – (3rd December 1998) – “Art Teacher Training Diploma” , in collaboration with Avinashilingam Deemed University
- During this period the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has given age relaxation to the senior people to join fine art colleges. He utilised the opportunity and joined the Govt. College of Fine Arts, Chennai (2003-2006), and completed B.F.A in First Class with Distinction.
- He has completed his Post Graduation M.V.A in Mysore University and M.F.A - Painting in Bharathiar University.
- Received second National Award from Government of India, Ministry of Tourism, (Incredible India) on 16th October 2006.
- FIRST IN TAMIL NADU – Off Campus Course – Fine Arts PAINTING & Bharathanathyam – In Collaboration with Bharathiar University, CCII (28th July 2008) - Several students are benefited. Most of them are now shining in Government Jobs.
- FIRST OF ITS KIND IN TAMIL NADU – Founded “OVIA SANDHAI” first of its kind in Tamil Nadu for the welfare of Artists’ community and to establish art market in and around Tamil Nadu with the help of Thiru. Shankar Vanavarayar and late Thiru. Padhma Bhushan Dr. N. Mahalingam. (11th January 2009).
- ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ – (24th October 2009) – Rotary Club of Coimbatore has honoured him for his excellence in the service for the Fine Arts.
- Founder of “Coimbatore Art Foundation”; “Nrithya Centre of Arts – Dance Club of Coimbatore; “Pranava Nadha Saba”. (3 Associations) 2009 – for the promotion of Art and Culture in rural and urban areas; learning opportunities and interactive workshop, demonstrations with visiting artists, Annual Art Fairs, Awards and prizes to Talented budding artists and honouring senior artists. Still, it is functioning with a group of great-minded peoples.
- ‘ART BEATS’ (Monthly) – He has started the one and only magazine in Tamil - for the sake of Art, Music, Dance and Traditional Crafts. - (2010 October) (Editor & Publisher).
- “KALAGRAM” Established (2011) - an Art Village – “KALAGRAM” Art & Culture Research and Development Centre Thondamuthur (2.5 acre) – His visionary dream project for the promotion of Art & Culture is dedicated to the public, for the welfare of Artists’ community, which is First-of-its-kind in the District, Showcasing Artisans, folk and classical performers, music and crafts. A regular Art Exhibitions, Craft Shows, Training, residential workshops, Art Camps, and Collaborative regular activities are all the part of Kalagram. The idea is to recreate a Gurukula-style of learning atmosphere with residential facilities.
- FIRST IN INDIA – He designed and created/conceived a figurative form for ‘Bharathamuni’ (Natya Sasthra); and ‘Mother of Art’ (Oviyathai) and made Statues with the help of Stapathis at Kalagram (2012).
- “Ranilakshmi Memorial Scholarship” - Endowment created to train talented young minds who are financially challenged. Students will be provided the opportunity to work with teachers and dancers. Students will be provided Boarding, Lodging and Training free of cost. So many students benefited through this scheme.
- Helped the people who are affected by the ‘Thane Strom’ (5.3.2012) by selling his Paintings through ‘Anandha Vigadan’.
- Compiled and Released ‘Who is Who - Artist Directory 2013’ – It contains Address and contact information’s of Artists, Musicians, Dancers, Institutions, Associations, Awards, Schemes etc.,
- Organised a great “ Kalagram Village Folk Art Fair” - on 25th August 2013 - Traditional Dances, Sculptural workshops, Pot Making, Clay Toys, Folk Art & Dances (Kavadiyattam, Mayilattam, kalaiyattam, oyillattam, Kummi, kolattam, mulaippari, karagattam, poikal kudhirai), Magic Show, Silambattam, pallankuli,boom boom madu, rangarattinamm Kolam astrology etc.,
- Organised and Curated – South Indian Artists’ Camp held at ‘Kalagram’, Thondamuthur (September, 2014), In collaboration with Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Art & Culture.
- RAVIRAJ COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS, Coimbatore - Affiliation to the full-time B.F.A., M.F.A., B.A., M.A Courses by the Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University followed in 2015 – (Painting & Bharathanatyam) – 17th August 2015.
- 2016 –Organised a Grand “Silver Jubilee” celebrations (8 days) of ‘Lalit Kalakshetra’.
- 2016 – Organised and Curated “National Exhibition of Art” _ eminent artists were participated from all over India.
- He Formulated the Syllabus for BFA and MFA – to Bharathiar University (2008 and 2017) – The Academic Council & Board of Studies were approved the syllabus.
- Formulated Syllabus for Government of Tamil Nadu, School Education Department (State Council of Educational Research and Training SCERT) - 10th January 2018 – for 6th Std. to 10th Std and Art Textbook also for 6th and 7th Standards.
- Started (January 2018) “KALAIMALAR” (Art Monthly) - Editor and Publisher of a Bi-lingual monthly Art Magazine on Indian Art. (But now, it has stopped due to pandemic situation.)
- The major and historical contribution of RAVIRAJ in the field of Tamil Literature and in Art Industry is “OVIA CHENOOL” a literary of eminence - 28th June 2021 – “OVIA CHENOOL” – the very first book in Tamil on Grammar of Art – in art Industry (400 pages – full Colour). (This is his 37th book on Art).
- 26th February 2022 - Received – “INTERNATIONAL AWARD” - The Urbanization and Health International Art Exhibition – Cash Award $300 – Art Impact International, DC Gallery, Washington DC 20012.
- Raviraj, in short has been the man behind ‘The Revolution of bringing Fine Arts to the common man’. The prolific and accomplished artist has 40 years of distinguished service and exceptional achievements in the field of fine arts, and has been a guru to many fledgling young artists. His mastermind, achieved his visionary goals of unparalleled glory in the field of Fine Arts.
- He married Smt. Nirmala Raviraj in 1991 and has a son Mr. Vigneshraj (b.1992) - Daughter (Daughter in law) Mrs. Vidhya Vigneshraj and Grandson Mr. Viyaanraj.
RETROSPECTIVE
MEMORABLE EVENTS
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