Krishnan, who passed away in March 2025, spent over three decades reviving the traditional artistry of his community using organic pigments sourced from forests. His wife, Suseela K, who now supports her four children and elderly parents as a daily wage laborer earning just ₹300, received the news while working in an arecanut grove. The family’s financial situation is so dire that their eldest daughter, Vasuki, was forced to drop out of her BSc Nursing program last year due to the inability to pay fees. Following the award announcement, the Nilgiris District Collector has assured assistance for her re-admission.
Suseela expressed deep gratitude for the recognition but highlighted the challenges of attending the award ceremony in New Delhi, as the family lacks the resources for travel. She appealed to the government for a permanent housing solution—fulfilling her husband’s dream of a concrete home—and a stable job or financial aid to market their traditional products. The story of Krishnan underscores the struggle of indigenous artists who preserve India’s cultural heritage while their families remain on the fringes of economic survival. (TNIE)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com