Dr. Kailas Shinde visits Palav’s residence to congratulate him

Celebrated calligrapher Achyut Palav has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri, bringing immense pride to Navi Mumbai. The award, announced on the eve of Republic Day by the Government of India, recognizes Mr. Palav’s remarkable four-decade-long contribution to the art of calligraphy and its promotion on national and international platforms.

To mark this achievement, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Kailas Shinde, accompanied by senior officials, visited Mr. Palav’s residence to congratulate him. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shinde described the award as a moment of pride for every Navi Mumbaikar. “This recognition highlights Mr. Palav’s invaluable contribution to art and enhances Navi Mumbai’s cultural reputation,” he said.

Mr. Palav has played a pivotal role in the city’s beautification initiatives, particularly through his Chitrakavita Bhinti (Poetic Wall Art) concept under the Swachh Survekshan programme. His poetic calligraphy murals have received widespread acclaim, earning appreciation across Maharashtra and at the national level.

Beyond beautification, Mr. Palav has been instrumental in promoting Marathi calligraphy. For years, he has organized exhibitions on Marathi Language Pride Day in collaboration with the NMMC, inspiring budding artists and fostering a sense of linguistic and cultural pride.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Palav dedicated the honour to the people of Navi Mumbai. “This award is not just mine, but belongs to the entire city. It’s a testament to the power of dedication and hard work,” he said. He also shared his hopes that the Padma Shri would inspire a new generation of artists to explore the beauty of calligraphy and India’s diverse scripts.

“India is a script-rich country with untapped potential. By embracing these scripts, we can foster unity and connection,” he added.

Known as the “Beautification Icon” of Navi Mumbai, Mr. Palav’s work reflects the role of art in community building and cultural preservation. His recognition as a Padma Shri recipient cements his legacy as a pioneer in calligraphy and an ambassador of India’s rich script traditions.