Siddhesh: An Artist of Nature

Ramesh Kumar Mishra "Siddhesh" was born in a distinguished family of "Mishra" on 24 July 1924, in Purani Haveli of Kashirampur, Kotdwar in Garhwal hills. He inherited an inclination towards social service and literature from his father and uncles.

Short in height, Siddhesh stood tall with his captivating and endearing personality. 

With a deep insight into human sensibilities, Siddhesh was a poet, an artist and a journalist. His revolution against mis-governance, mal-administration and capitalism lit the torch which illuminated the path of generations to come.

He played a pivotal role in the cultural, art and literary world of Kotdwar and contributed meaningfully in the seeding and development of the Garhwal Sahitya Parishad and Sahityanchal.

In 1962, Siddhesh visited Mount Abu. On the huge rocks there, he observed naturally emerging shapes and objects, as if chiseled over the years by winds and rains. He was impassioned.

The creative journey of Siddhesh, meanders through the valleys and hills of his native place, the dense jungles, the expanse of riverbeds and the "concrete jungles" as he called the cities.

He started seeing this work of nature in ordinary stones - stones he made special, by just highlighting the natural contours with his brush. 

This, he christened as 'जड़ चेतन' (Jadd Chetan), that is, "animating the lifeless stones".

His art later spanned four mediums - Painting on Paper, Clay Modelling, Driftwood and Stone Works (or Jadd Chetan / जड़ चेतन), which ultimately became his signature art. 

Siddhesh, with his pen and brush, brought inanimate stones to life and immortalized them... and through them he lives on, amongst us, through his poetry, writings and art.

Explore his works in the collection of Siddhesh Memorial Foundation for Art.