Over a decade ago, Majikhan Mutva started his journey to explore Lippan art, a traditional craft from his village. He was the first artist from his village to dive into this art form, facing a lot of backlash and challenges, including limited resources and lack of exposure. Despite these obstacles, Majikhan remained resolute in wanting to understand Lippan Art and promote its beauty. His passion led him to discover the potential of digital tools to enhance and modernise traditional Lippan art, blending craftsmanship with technology in ways that would enhance his skills, his craft and connect him to trends that were being integrated in traditional craft preservation.
Once he was digitally upskilling himself, he understood the importance of preserving cultural heritage, Majikhan initiated training programs in his community to share his skills and knowledge. His goal was to empower other artisans to embrace digital technology, ensuring the sustainability of their crafts. His dedication to preserving cultural heritage and empowering local artisans has had a significant impact, reaching communities in eight states across India. His work has been nationally recognised, recognising his commitment to both tradition and innovation.
By embracing digital technology, Majikhan has helped safeguard India’s rich artistic heritage, ensuring its relevance and appreciation in the contemporary world. In recognition of his achievements, Majikhan won in the Technology Innovation for Arts and Crafts category in the Digital Artisans of India Award 2023-24. This award celebrates his role in bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, highlighting his contributions to preserving and promoting India’s cultural legacy through digital innovation.