LUCKNOW, Jan. 31 -- Miniature artist Mahesh Kumar was felicitated with Husn-e-Karigari award during the inaugural session of Sanatkada Lucknow Festival (MSLF) on Friday. After receiving the award, he shared his journey and concerns about the future of the traditional art form. Kumar said that miniature art is his ancestral family tradition. "I joined this craft at the age of 18 and, through constant practise, patience, and dedication, gradually mastered it," he said. Today, he is known for creating detailed works - tiny vegetables measuring just three and a half inches or an entire army band - with striking realism. His creations are admired for their detail, accurate proportions, colour balance, and life-like appearance. He said that he is possibly the only active artist in the city who specialises in this particular art form. "The main reason for me being the only active artist is that very limited financial returns are associated with it. Because of the lack of adequate income, I did not train my own son in this art, as I wanted him to pursue a more financially secure career. I regret that due to low earnings, no young artist is willing to learn this craft," said Kumar. He voiced concern that if proper attention is not given, this invaluable art tradition may disappear after him. According to Kumar, to preserve this art, artists must be provided platforms to showcase their work. Additionally, workshops, training programmes, and collaboration with educational institutions are essential to pass this knowledge on to the younger generation. htc...