Workshop on Psaligraphy – A Paper Cutting Art
by Deepā Murḍeshwar
॥ ॐ श्रीगुरुभ्यो नमः ॥ श्रीभवानीशङ्कराय नमः ॥ श्रीमात्रे नमः ॥
On Friday, 5th September 2025, during the auspicious period of Chāturmāsa observed by His Holiness Shrīmat Sadyojāt Shaṅkarāshram Swāmījī, a psaligraphy workshop was conducted at Shrī Chitrāpur Mat͟h, Shirālī.
Psaligraphy, or paper-cutting art, is a delicate craft in which intricate designs are created by carefully cutting paper with precision tools. It emphasizes the artistry involved in shaping portraits, patterns, or motifs by cutting paper rather than drawing them.
Though arranged at short notice, Dr. Gaurīsh Rāmmohan Paḍukoṇe, a veterinary surgeon by profession and a psaligrapher by passion, graciously consented to conduct the psaligraphy workshop for beginners. He had kindly offered to conduct the workshop for the entire day even if there were only three participants but the number of participants swelled from three to thirty-five!
In the large hall above the bhojanashālā, after the Sabhā Prārambha Prārthanā and a brief introduction to Dr. Gaurīsh Paḍukoṇe by Smt. Chetanā Praveeṇ Kaḍl̃e, it was over to Gaurīsh mām.
He explained what psaligraphy was all about, the tools required, the steps involved, the process behind his various works of art on display, the obstacles and challenges in psaligraphy, and how to overcome
An Introduction
A deep spiritual longing and love for his roots and nature led Dr. Gaurīsh Rāmmohan Paḍukoṇe, a prolific clinical veterinary practitioner with a flourishing practice in Mumbaī, to relocate with his family to Koḍsul, a tiny hamlet in a remote village in Karnāṭaka, in June 1992. Gradually, over time, the silent artist in him developed a skill that allowed him to softly sketch portraits, quietly cut fine pieces of paper from the same portrait, gently reassemble them, transforming the portraits of Masters into masterpieces. While with a scalpel he tended to wounded animals, carefully stitching life back together, with glue he pieced paper, shaping beauty from fragments. Whether healing flesh or crafting form on a self-healing mat, his hands moved with the same steady care, guided by patience and love for what is fragile. For him, art and animal care are one - both require patience, precision, and love for what is delicate.
Art as Therapy
During the two sessions, one before lunch and one after, participants remained focused, building resilience and patience while staying free from anxiety, agitation, worry, or complaint.
The process required deep inner strength, mindfulness, and a gentle form of self-care, helping participants to focus, relax, and feel a sense of accomplishment while engaging in something uplifting. It encouraged channelling emotions through creativity instead of allowing pain or worry, if any, to take control.
Wrapping up
Though the clock signaled it was time to stop, we ended the workshop reluctantly, wishing it could go on... We offered the day at the Lotus Feet of our Guru with a Sabhā Samāpti Prārthanā, and with due credit to Smt. Niveditā Paḍukoṇe Nīlekaṇī (Gaurīsh mām’s daughter), Team Saṁvit Sudhā for providing the tools, the participants, the Shirālī Mat͟h team of volunteers, and Team PA System for arranging logistics.
Shrī Kishore Kumbl̃e mām, General Manager, Shrī Chitrāpur Mat͟h, on behalf of the Chāturmāsa Cultural Committee, presented Dr. Gaurīsh Paḍukoṇe mām with a token of appreciation and gratitude.
Art as Worship
Mother Divine is कलावती (Kalāvatī) - She who is the very essence,the embodiment of all arts. She delights in, and nurtures art. When you create or appreciate art, you are engaging with The Mother’s joy. Art is a devotional act, and creativity becomes a way to honour the Divine.
We are grateful to Gaurīsh mām for offering his time, knowledge, and love. When he taught his skill to the enthusiastic participants, we aligned with The Divine Mother’s creative energy. By attempting to learn this art from the generous Gaurīsh mām, the workshop, a meditative process, transformed into upāsanā.
The more you share, the more you expand - not just in skill, but as a person. Encouraging others gently, humbly, and with patience reflected mām’s large-hearted persona.
It was clearly evident that 'What can I get?' was never the motive for Gaurīsh mām; the focus always being on 'What can I give?'.
23rd April 2024, Shirālī Rathotsava -
During the Concluding Dharma Sabhā Āshīrvachana, H.H. Shrīmat Sadyojāt Shaṅkarāshram Swāmījī had fondly recalled Gaurīsh mām’s daily visits to the Goshālā at Shirālī, his daily offering of rich homemade curd to H.H. Swāmījī, his readiness to assist whenever and wherever needed, and his dedication to all tasks despite his physical discomfort.
Pūjya Swāmījī noted that Gaurīsh mām’s creativity requires immense तितिक्षा (Titiks͟hā). Pūjya Swāmījī added that if we cultivate even five to ten percent of the endurance that Gaurīsh mām possesses, we are certain to accomplish even the feeblest of ambitions we set for ourselves.
So, the next time you hear about the psaligraphy workshop, make sure to join in!
Whether you are discovering it for the first time or refining your skills, remember, art becomes worship!
Photo Credits - Shrī Kishore Kumbl̃e, Dr. Gaurīsh Paḍukoṇe, Smt. Jyothi Bharat Divgī, Smt. Sandhyā Nāyel