“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. My canvas speaks a language beyond words.”
Dedication
This book is lovingly dedicated to my parents, whose unconditional love, guidance, and values laid the foundation for every dream I have dared to pursue. Your steadfast faith in me and the strength you showed through every challenge have been the light guiding my path. I am forever grateful for the roots you gave me and the wings to soar.
To my loving husband, whose unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in my vision have been my greatest strength. Thank you for standing beside me in every endeavor, for sharing the joys and burdens of life, and for creating a partnership built on trust and equality. Your love and understanding have made every step possible.
To my wonderful child, whose laughter and presence bring balance and purpose to my life. Your curiosity and spirit inspire me daily to nurture a world full of creativity and hope.
To my extended family, mentors, teachers, and friends, your encouragement and guidance have enriched my journey beyond words. Thank you for believing in my potential and helping me grow both as an artist and as a person.
To the communities, institutions, and collaborators who have embraced my work and vision, your faith and enthusiasm propel me forward in the endeavor to make art accessible and meaningful to all.
Finally, to every aspiring artist and dreamer who reads this, may you find here the courage to follow your passion, the strength to overcome obstacles, and the inspiration to create a beautiful legacy of your own.
Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal
Phase 1 : Childhood Nurtured by Love and Ambition
“The conception of art is not only for beauty, but to reflect society and to raise questions through that reflection.”
Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal was born into a loving and close-knit South Indian family, enveloped in a cocoon of deep-rooted values, affection, and a resolute belief in the power of education. Her world revolved around the gentle guidance of her grandmother, the steadfast presence of her father, her ever-supportive mother, and herself, the nucleus of a home that balanced tradition with progressiveness. This family structure, rich with “sanskar,” discipline, and academic focus, played a paramount role in shaping Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal’s secure and purpose-driven childhood. The loss of her grandfather, a significant yet gentle sorrow during her early primary years, was met with the resilience fostered by such a foundation, where love and mutual encouragement softened every blow and amplified every achievement.
Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal’s earliest memories were marked by a sense of safety and nurturing, a household where dreams were not brushed aside as childish whims but rather, were cultivated alongside scholastic goals. Her mother was her beacon, a constant motivator who never shied away from going the extra mile, tirelessly cheering her on in every endeavor. It was through her mother’s attentive eye and persistent encouragement that her exceptional creative spark was first noticed.
From a remarkably young age, art was more than just an activity for Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal, it was a calling that unfolded with startling clarity. At the tender age of four, her mother enrolled her in a neighborhood drawing class, treating it as a gentle hobby meant to foster creativity. However, it quickly became clear that for Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal, art was not a fleeting pastime but a natural language through which she expressed herself. Shubangi Ma’am, her first drawing teacher, swiftly recognized her extraordinary ability; while her peers would struggle to finish a single painting, Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal would complete two, sometimes three, each rendered with a finesse and imagination well beyond her years.
It was not just the speed at which she worked, but the sheer quality and decisiveness of her strokes that set her apart. Shubangi Ma’am, recognizing this talent, called Komal’s mother aside and insisted, “Treat this not just as a hobby, she has something rare. Encourage her; take her to competitions so this spark can become something much greater.” Heeding this valuable advice, her mother meticulously planned weekends filled with art competitions, transforming ordinary weekends into a whirlwind of color, creativity, and achievement. These escapades often began early in the morning, whisking her off from one competition to the next, with hurried lunches sandwiched in between. Weekdays were for academics, but weekends were her canvas, as she voraciously participated in contests across the city.
What followed was a procession of victories, each one building upon the last. The sight of a young girl, completely absorbed in her art and unaffected by crowds that would gather around her, became a familiar one at every event. Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal was so deeply immersed in her work that she would barely notice the increasing cluster of onlookers, only acknowledging their presence when it was time to sign her name on the back of her submission. Her natural ability to focus, undistracted even by admiration and curiosity, marked her as a prodigy.
Phase 2 : The Canvas Pathways
A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.”
As the journey of Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal’s art unfolded, her commitment to both technical skill and personal growth led her seamlessly from a flurry of local competitions into the formal world of art examinations and the vibrant arena of national and international exhibitions. For Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal, these challenges were never just milestones to tick off, but rather important stepping stones that would help transform her passion into a lifelong vocation and source of inspiration. Every exam cleared and every exhibition held became a vivid chapter in her creative story, demonstrating not just her mastery of technique, but her relentless determination to keep learning and growing.
Even as a young artist, she understood that true artistry is fueled by discipline and continuous assessment. She converged her childhood enthusiasm with the rigor of structured evaluation, clearing one prestigious drawing examination after another, each success propelling her further. The Kalapravash and Kalarambh exams, known among budding artists in Maharashtra for their tough standards, were conquered by her with distinction. She achieved the first rank in Maharashtra, quickly building a reputation for diligence, precision, and innovative ideas. The fact that she topped both these examinations at such an early age remains a testament to her dedication and her ability to set herself apart even among talented peers.
As Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal advanced, she continued to push the boundaries of her learning. She appeared for the Elementary Grade Examination, no easy feat in the competitive landscape of Indian art education, where her performance saw her among the standout young artists of her state. Later, in the Intermediate Grade Examination, she secured an A grade, further cementing her standing as a serious, committed artist. Each certificate, each high score, was more than just recognition; it was a gentle nudge pushing her to dive deeper into her artistic potential.
Academic milestones were balanced perfectly with public displays of her talent. Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal’s work was soon being noticed beyond examination halls and classrooms. She was given the stage to display her paintings and creative endeavors in some of the most celebrated art spaces. Her first major exhibition, Bal Disha, took place at the renowned Nehru Centre’s Circular Art Gallery in Worli. This was not just a personal achievement, but also a chance to expose her distinct style and vision to a wider art-loving audience. The colors and themes in her work stood as a mirror to her journey, infused with personal memories, cultural motifs, and a passion for beauty.
Another significant showcase was the Vardhaman Divas exhibition, where as a recipient of the Balshree award, Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal gained the opportunity to display her work at Jawahar Bal Bhavan. These exhibitions were transformative; for Komal, they offered a space not just to share her art, but to absorb the creative energy of fellow artists and mentors, to receive feedback and encouragement, and to see firsthand the joy her work brought to people of all ages.
Phase 3 : The Awards and Honors
Art is about the experience of truth, not the explanation of it. It lives where words fall short.”
The life and career of Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal would be incomplete without an account of the astonishing recognition she has received over the years; her journey is, in many ways, mapped by the steady stream of awards and honors that have celebrated her rare talent and unyielding dedication to art. From her earliest childhood right through to her years as a young woman, her achievements have set her apart, making her one of the most decorated artists of her
One of the most remarkable milestones in her story is her place in the Limca Book of Records in the year 2007, which immortalized her for holding the national record for the most number of prizes, trophies, and medals in drawing and painting contests won by a school student. By the time she reached nineteen years old, Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal had amassed a staggering 592 prizes in various art competitions, a feat that is incredible at any age and absolutely extraordinary for someone so young. The statistics stand as a testimony to her tireless work ethic and consistent excellence: 592 prizes, 204 trophies, and 114 medals, including 34 international, 86 national, and 23 state-level awards. Among these, a particularly impressive detail is that she secured first place in 402 of these competitions, demonstrating that Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal was not only a frequent participant but a habitual winner.generation.
Towering above her many achievements are her presidential honors. On February 10, 2004, Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal was conferred with the National Balashree Honour for the year 2002, in the field of Creative Art by then President of India, Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This distinguished award is reserved for creative prodigies who have excelled at the national stage and set an example for their peers. The following year, she was awarded the President of India’s Gold Medal at Shankar’s International Children’s Competition. The acknowledgment by the head of the nation not only validated her immense potential, but also turned her into a recognisable figure in the world of art and creativity. She had the rare distinction of having her artistic journey spoken about in a public speech by Dr. Kalam, who highlighted her as an embodiment of young Indian creativity and vision.
Among other significant honours, Dr. Komal Madhukar Ullal was the recipient of the prestigious Lux Sahyadri Hirkani Award in 2006, celebrating women who have excelled in their chosen fields. This award, presented by Mumbai Doordarshan’s Sahyadri Channel, stands as a marker of her influence and impact as a female artist at a very young age. She was also recognized with the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Gold Medal Award in Shankar International Children’s Painting Competition in 2003, another rare accolade received directly from the President of India.
Komal’s line-up of prizes extends beyond national recognition. At the international level, she has been awarded the Golden Plaquette at the International Children’s Painting Competition organized by the Children’s Art Club in Bitola, Macedonia. Her international reputation was further bolstered by the International Child Artist Award at Wonder Art World, Amalapuram, which she claimed twice, in 2000 and 2004. She also received the Diploma Award at the International Competition for Children’s Drawing in Svishtov, Bulgaria, which was administered by the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria. In addition, she won the Honourable Mention Award at the International Children’s Art Exhibition hosted by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Czech Republic.