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Richard Manvel Vaz, an acclaimed painting artist hailing from the state of Maharashtra, has been honored with the prestigious Rashtra Ratna Puraskar in the year 2024. Vaz's journey in the world of art began in the humble village of Umrale, located in the Palghar district, where he was born into a financially struggling farmer family in 1977. Unfortunately, Richard lost his father during his early childhood, which added further challenges to their already difficult circumstances. Despite these hurdles, his unwavering passion for drawing and painting compelled him to pursue his artistic aspirations.
Looking for opportunities to support his education and nurture his artistic talents, Richard enrolled in an art college in Vasai. However, due to the financial constraints faced by his family, he found it difficult to bear the expenses of his education. Determined to overcome this obstacle, Richard ventured outside his comfort zone and started working on various art projects, including signboards, banners, and religious paintings, to financially support himself.
Through his hard work and unwavering dedication, Richard managed to complete his degree in art from the esteemed L.S. Raheja College of Art in Bandra, Mumbai. After completing his studies, Richard initially found employment at UTV, but his true passion for art continued to beckon him. With a deep desire to pursue his artistic calling wholeheartedly, he made the difficult decision to leave his job and began working as a teacher in a local school.
This allowed him not only to support himself but also provided an opportunity to inspire and guide young minds in their own artistic journeys. Richard found stability in his teaching profession, which allowed him to simultaneously pursue his passion as a freelance artist. Throughout his career, Richard has received recognition for his exceptional artistic skills, winning various prizes in painting competitions and actively participating in both group and online exhibitions. Presently, he serves as both an art teacher and an esteemed artist at Christ Church School in Mumbai, where he continues to create captivating works of art that truly resonate with viewers from all walks of life.