Reviving Tribal Heritage: The Inspiring Journey of Jayshree Devi

Art is not just an expression of beauty—it is also a mirror of culture, tradition, and identity. In Jharkhand, one woman has taken it upon herself to revive, preserve, and popularize one of the state’s most treasured art forms: Sohrai painting. That woman is Jayshree Devi, Director of Indwar Overseas Pvt. Ltd., who has become a name synonymous with innovation, empowerment, and cultural pride.

From humble beginnings in Ranchi, Jayshree Devi has risen to national recognition for her tireless efforts in promoting Sohrai and tribal art. Over the past decade, she has not only revived this age-old practice but has also empowered hundreds of women by connecting them to meaningful employment opportunities through art. Her story is a remarkable blend of creativity, resilience, and leadership.

A New Wave of Tribal Art

Sohrai painting, traditionally practiced by tribal women of Jharkhand, is a ritualistic wall art that celebrates harvest and fertility. With motifs of animals, birds, and village life, it represents the close connection between humans and nature. Unfortunately, with urbanization and modern lifestyles, this art form was slowly disappearing.

Jayshree Devi recognized this decline and decided to bring Sohrai art into contemporary spaces. She combined it with Dokra craft and other tribal motifs to create unique artworks that could be showcased in homes, corporate spaces, and even gifted as souvenirs. Her innovative approach gave Sohrai art a modern identity without diluting its traditional roots.

Today, her artworks are not limited to village walls—they are seen in railway stations, government offices, public spaces, and private collections across India. She and her team have painted stations like Rairangpur, decorated walls in Ranchi, and worked on projects commissioned by both state and central government bodies.

Recognition and National Honor

Jayshree Devi’s work has not gone unnoticed. Her efforts have been recognized by the Indian Railways, where she was personally honored by the then Railway Minister Piyush Goyal for her contribution to beautifying stations with Sohrai paintings.

Her art projects have transformed dull walls into vibrant canvases, attracting passersby and travelers. For instance, the walls along Ranchi’s main roads, adorned with her team’s paintings of birds, animals, and tribal life, have become a visual delight and a cultural landmark.

When the team decorated Rairangpur station with Sohrai and Odia Pattachitra paintings, even the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, praised the initiative, recognizing the effort to merge traditional art with public spaces.

Empowering Women Through Art

While reviving art has been her passion, empowering women has been her mission. Jayshree Devi understood that many rural women faced financial struggles and lacked opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. She began training women in Sohrai and other tribal arts, gradually building a network of artisans.

Through her initiative and with the backing of her company Indwar Overseas Pvt. Ltd., she has connected over 200 women to stable employment. These women, once confined to household responsibilities, are now independent earners contributing to their families and society.

Her organization, “Stambh” Trust, plays a crucial role in training and engaging women in creative projects. From large-scale wall paintings to decorative artifacts, these women are producing works that are now in demand across India. As a result, Sohrai has moved from being a household ritual to becoming a recognized corporate gift item and a cultural export.

Resilience Against Challenges

Jayshree Devi’s personal journey has not been without hardships. After her marriage, she faced a challenging period, balancing family responsibilities and raising two daughters, one of whom is a special child. But instead of giving up, she turned to art as both a source of strength and a means of livelihood.

Her determination transformed difficulties into opportunities. Even when faced with skepticism, she kept pushing forward, eventually winning trust and recognition. By painting not just walls but lives, she carved a unique space for herself and hundreds of women who now walk confidently on the path she paved.

A Legacy for the Future

Jayshree Devi story is not only about art—it is about the revival of a cultural identity and the empowerment of communities. By giving Sohrai a national and international platform, she has ensured that the art form will not fade into obscurity.

Today, her company Indwar Overseas Pvt. Ltd. is known not only for its business strength but also for its commitment to cultural preservation and social impact. The website www.indwaroverseas.com showcases the journey of this vision.

From Ranchi’s walls to railway stations across states, from rural homes to corporate boardrooms, Sohrai art is now alive, thriving, and celebrated. And behind this transformation stands one determined woman—Jayshree Devi Indwar, a true cultural ambassador of Jharkhand.