Dhanaraj Keezhara Honored with Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 for Pioneering Contributions to Fine Arts

Dhanaraj Keezhara, a visionary artist from Kerala, has been awarded the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 by the Veyil Foundation, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the field of Fine Arts. This highly respected accolade celebrates not only his artistic brilliance but also his commitment to using art as a powerful medium to explore and address pressing contemporary issues.

Keezhara's work stands out for its rich thematic depth and visual intensity. His paintings are not merely aesthetic expressions but profound reflections on ecological, social, and cultural dynamics in the modern world. With an acute sensitivity to the natural environment, his art often focuses on themes such as environmental degradation, the consequences of urbanization, and the growing alienation of humanity from nature. His pieces prompt viewers to pause and consider the fragile balance of the ecosystems we rely on—an invitation to reflect rather than merely observe.

Through his vivid imagery, textured compositions, and emotionally resonant storytelling, Dhanaraj Keezhara brings critical issues to the forefront of artistic conversation. His work speaks of disappearing landscapes, threatened wildlife, and vanishing cultural traditions, providing a visual language for the complexities of contemporary life. In doing so, he challenges audiences to think deeply about the world around them and the role they play in its stewardship.

Beyond his personal artistic achievements, Keezhara is also making a significant impact as a visual media educator at Christel House India in Bengaluru. His role as an educator complements his artistic mission—empowering young minds with the tools to express themselves and engage critically with the world through art. His students benefit not just from his technical knowledge but also from his philosophical and ethical approach to creativity.

What makes Keezhara’s journey even more remarkable is his largely self-taught background. Without formal academic training in fine arts, he has carved a unique path defined by self-discipline, exploration, and personal experience. This unconventional journey has allowed him to develop a distinct voice—one that is authentic, raw, and deeply connected to the lived realities of people and the planet.

Keezhara’s art transcends traditional boundaries, seamlessly blending the personal with the political and the aesthetic with the ethical. His work reflects a commitment to truth, awareness, and compassion, making it not only relevant but vital in today's world. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 recognizes not just his skill with the brush, but his dedication to using art as a means of social and environmental consciousness.

As he continues to inspire both his viewers and his students, Dhanaraj Keezhara remains a powerful force in the Indian art scene—an artist whose work echoes the urgent call for sustainability, cultural preservation, and deeper human connection. With this honor, his voice gains even greater reach, reinforcing the transformative power of art in shaping a more thoughtful and aware society.