We are deeply saddened to inform you that our Patron member and ex-President Mr.Madhava Rao Pavanje passed away on 29th October 2021 in Bengaluru.He was the President of our Association for many years. We pray that may his Soul rest in eternal peace.
Felicitated by the Department of Posts on the occasion of KARNAPEX 2019 - State Level Philatelic Exhibition for his service to Philately.
MADHAVA
SMARANA
There goes a saying, Legends are bornt not made. This saying
justifies to the veteran artist Madhava Rao Pavanje, who left us for his
heavenly abode on 29/10/2021.
Madhava Rao Pavanje - or M.R Pavanje as he is better known –
was a renowned portrait painter and commercial artist of the city. Hailing from
the famous Pavanje Rao family, his grandfather Pavanje Gopalakrishnaiah was a
graduate in fine arts from the prestigious J.J School of Arts Mumbai and had
contribute to various text books and books issued by Basel Mission Press.
Continuing that legacy, M.R Pavanje’s Uncle Dr.Narahari Gopalakrishna Pavanje
or N.G Pavanje was sent by the Maharaja of Mysore to Germany where he obtained
his doctoral degree in art from the Universities of Berlin and Leipzig. He also
served as director of Chamarajendra Technical Training Institute Mysore where famous
artists like K.K Hebbar were nurtured under his guidance. Hailing such
prestigious family, M.R Pavanje was also a well-known commercial artist of city
and headed the “Pavanje Art Studio” situated at Gopalakrishna temple Road in
Carstreet. During the times when advertising field was in its infancy in the
city, he used to design various advertisements. In addition to it his, art works
have been decorated the various First Day Covers and Special Covers issued by
Various Postal Circles of India.
An artist in demand, he has done various art works out of
which his noteworthy work was the oil on canvas portrait of Dharmastala
Manjayya Heggade, grandfather of Dr. D Veerendra Heggade, the religious head or
Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala. The painting was made for his birth centenary
exhibition held at PVS Kalakunja in the year 1989. The painting was so
beautiful that, Manjayya Heggade’s daughter Smt. Vimala Ballal had out rightly purchased it. Apart from this, he
has contributed to various art journals, and many portraits sketches were done
by him. He was also well versed in different art techniques like oil painting,
charcoal sketch, nib painting and others.
Apart from an art which was his profession, there are many
unseen facets to his legend. Known as “Walking Encyclopedia”, he was knowledgeable
in all the topics one can name. He was able to provide the correct information
on any subject without using Google. Being Philatelist and Numismatist, he had
an enormous collection of both stamps and coins, which fetched him, many laurels
in international exhibitions. He also participated as Jury member in various
exhibitions of stamps and coins. The specialty of his valuation was, he used to
value the collection right before the participant and used to give feedback on
how he can develop his collection and gather knowledge pertaining to the topics.
Sometimes, he would even gift his rare stamps or coins to children who are interested
in philately and numismatics, thereby encouraging them to grow. I’m one of the beneficiaries of his generosity
of heart. He would later take constant reports from my father who was close to
him, to check my progress in philately as I opted philately over numismatics.
Even two days before his demise, he had spoken about me. His exhibits of stamps
and coins were a treat to look at it, as it also featured some of his small
line drawings pertaining to the subject on which the exhibit was crafted. Apart
from judging the philatelic and numismatic events, he was also invited as Jury
or judge to various drawing competitions.
Along with Philately and Numismatics, he was also an avid
collector of antiquities. The entire layout of his 128+ years old “Pavanje
House” complemented his collection. Adding to it, he could speak at length
about all the items that he had, and would explain the significance so well.
Wherever you went in that house, you would bump into either an antique or a
canvas board. He also had an excellent collection of Manuscripts and Books
pertaining to various subjects. He used to encourage youngsters in starting
their own hobbies. Adding to it, he was one of the few who knew every nook and
corner pertaining to the history of Tulunadu or Undivided Dakshina Kannada
district.
He was an avid teacher and has trained many set of
internationally famed artists. Well known artist like his neice Anu Pavanje, Veena
Srinivas to name a few. Though he suffered from various issues, it didn’t stop
him from teaching, gaining knowledge or enjoying the company of generations
much younger than him.
His
sudden demise has left an unfilled void in the artist fraternity and also in
the field of philately and numismatics. Aum Shanti Pavanje Ajja! You’ll always
be remembered for the kind, inspiring words which will definitely be our torch
bearers for life.
- Atul Prabhu.P
