The Journey of Manohar Devadoss: An 83-Year-Old Artist Who Won Padma Shri

Manohar Devadoss, born on 10 September 1936 and passed away on 7 December 2022, was an Indian artist and writer hailing from Tamil Nadu. Despite facing several challenges, including blindness and a rare genetic condition, retinitis pigmentosa, he continued to inspire and create. At the age of 83, he was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for his remarkable contributions to art and charity.

Enriched Home and Workspaces

The entrance to Devadoss's house, located on Papanasam Sivan Salai off Santhome High Road in Chennai, is a scene worthy of a greeting card. Visitors are greeted by a bougainvillea archway leading to an ivory-coloured bungalow, decorated with names etched on the pillars—Manohar and Mahima. The living room is tastefully arranged, displaying framed sketches and a beautifully carved Andhra-style Gajalakshmi wooden door.

A Teachable Artist

Manohar's artistic journey began at a young age, and it was his PhD in Chemistry and four-decade career as a chemist that provided him with the inspiration and freedom to pursue his passion for art.

Enter Mahima

Thirupurasundari Sevvel, an architect, assisted Manohar with the Padma Shri award paperwork. On the day of the interview, Manohar was abuzz with calls from well-wishers and media inquiries. Entering his marriage with Mahima, a common cousin introduced them, marked a new chapter in his life. This period was one of his best as an artist. He illustrated letters to everyone and particularly devoted himself to illustrating his correspondence with Mahima, noting that he felt she was more anxious to read his letters than he was.

Published Works and Artistic Growth

Three of his books, Green Well Years, Multiple Faucets of My Madurai, and An Artist's Perspective, feature excellent sketches crafted by Manohar over the years. He began Green Well Years with Mahima's encouragement, inspired to recount his childhood adventures in Madurai, comparing them to those of Tom Sawyer's. The project took 15 years to complete, with the artwork spanning 14 years.

Endurance and Inspiration

Manohar's life was marked by significant trials. A tragic accident left Mahima a quadriplegic, and in the prime of his life, his vision faded due to retinitis pigmentosa. He also lost his beloved wife in 2008. Despite these adversities, his genial spirit remained intact. He was awarded the Padma Shri, a reflection of his enduring passion and dedication to art and charity.

Conclusion

Manohar Devadoss's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His journey from an 83-year-old blind artist to the Padma Shri awardee is a source of inspiration for aspiring artists and anyone facing life's challenges.