Why Everyone Is Stopping To Stare at These College Walls in Karnataka
At Sahyadri Commerce and Management College in Shivamogga, the walls do far more than hold up a building. They tell stories. A portrait of Kuvempu at the entrance sets the tone. Along the corridors, delicate Hase chittara patterns unfold in earthy red and white. Elsewhere, murals and motifs turn ordinary corners into spaces that feel warm, rooted and full of life . For students walking to class, these walls are now part of the college’s identity. What makes them even more special is this: the artists behind them are students themselves. Rihan A and Meghana K S have transformed the campus with their work, bringing together personal talent, cultural tradition and a deep sense of belonging. Their art has changed how the college looks, but it has also changed how it feels. Final-year students Rihan and Meghana painted campus walls with murals and Hase chittara Photograph: ( S K Dinesh/The Hindu ) For Rihan, a final-year BA student at Sahyadri Arts College, drawing began in childhood. He doodled constantly, and the people around him noticed. Parents, relatives and teachers encouraged him, and over time, his talent turned into skill. By Class 9, he had already begun painting signboards and wall murals for small sums. Later, he worked on Nali-Kali educational panels in government schools. When he arrived on the Sahyadri campus for his degree, that talent found a wider canvas. Supported by the college administration, Rihan began painting signboards and murals on campus walls . What he has created now
In the bustling town of Shivamogga in Karnataka, the walls of Sahyadri Commerce and Management College have become more than mere structures holding up a building. They now serve as a canvas for stories, traditions, and a sense of belonging, transforming the campus into a living gallery that students and faculty alike can't help but admire. At the heart of this transformation are two final-year students, Rihan A and Meghana K S, whose artistic talents have breathed new life into the college's corridors and classrooms.
Upon entering the campus, one is immediately greeted by a portrait of Kuvempu, the renowned Kannada poet and scholar, which sets the tone for the cultural richness that awaits. As students walk to their classes, they pass by delicate Hase chittara patterns in earthy red and white, unfolding along the walls. These intricate designs, combined with vibrant murals and motifs, turn ordinary corners into spaces that feel warm, rooted, and full of life. The walls are no longer just backdrops; they are an integral part of the college's identity, reflecting the creativity and passion of its students.
Rihan, a final-year BA student at Sahyadri Arts College, discovered his love for drawing at a young age. His constant doodling did not go unnoticed, and with encouragement from his parents, relatives, and teachers, his talent blossomed into a skill. By Class 9, Rihan had already begun painting signboards and wall murals for small sums. Later, he worked on Nali-Kali educational panels in government schools, honing his craft and gaining experience. When he arrived on the Sahyadri campus for his degree, he found a wider canvas to express his artistry.
Supported by the college administration, Rihan began painting signboards and murals on campus walls. His creations now live in the everyday rhythm of college life, adding color and character to the campus. Rihan's work, inspired by his childhood passion, has not only enhanced the visual appeal of the college but has also instilled a sense of pride and identity among the students and faculty.
Meghana, a final-year B.Com student, brought another layer of beauty to the campus with her expertise in Hase chittara, a traditional art form popular in Karnataka's Malnad region. Known for its geometric patterns, Hase chittara is often seen during weddings and other auspicious occasions. Meghana learned the art form from her grandmother and mother, who were both skilled Hase artists. When she mentioned Hase drawing as her hobby during her time at the college, the administration recognized the potential of her talent and invited her to contribute to the campus's aesthetic transformation.
Together, Rihan and Meghana have created a unique blend of personal talent, cultural tradition, and a deep sense of belonging. Their art has changed not only how the college looks but also how it feels. The walls, once ordinary, now tell stories of the students' lives, their passions, and their connection to the region's rich cultural heritage. As students walk through the campus, they are surrounded by art that not only beautifies their daily commute but also inspires them to appreciate and preserve their cultural roots.
The transformation of Sahyadri Commerce and Management College's walls serves as a testament to the power of art and the importance of nurturing individual talents. By supporting Rihan and Meghana's creative endeavors, the college administration has not only enhanced the physical space but has also fostered a sense of identity and pride among the student body. The walls of Sahyadri College are now more than just structures; they are a celebration of youth, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Karnataka's cultural traditions.
