Gujarat's ancient Pithora art, Padma Shri awardee Paresh Rathwa, tribal heritage, Rashtrapati Bhavan, GI tag, and traditional tribal painting are drawing national attention as the sacred art form gains wider recognition. From the mud walls of tribal homes to the marbled halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Pithora art has become a symbol of India's rich indigenous culture.

Paresh Rathwa, a Padma Shri awardee from Chhota Udepur, has dedicated himself to preserving and promoting this sacred tribal tradition. He says around 25 to 30 young people now learn Pithora art from him, with more college students joining to carry the tradition forward.

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Believed to be an ancient practice passed down for thousands of years, Pithora art depicts tribal gods, forests, animals and everyday life using natural colours. Today, more than eight families earn a livelihood through this art. Supported by organisations, including TRIFED, Garvi Gurjari and TRTI, and strengthened by a GI tag received in 2020-21, Pithora art continues to reach new audiences across India.