At Sahyadri Commerce and Management College in Shivamogga, Karnataka, the walls are more than just structures. They tell stories through art.
A portrait of Kuvempu greets visitors at the entrance. Along the corridors, delicate Hase chittara patterns appear in earthy red and white. Murals and motifs transform ordinary corners into warm, lively spaces. These walls have become a key part of the college's identity for students.
What makes this art even more special is that students created it.
Student Artists Transform Campus
Rihan A and Meghana K S have changed the campus with their artwork. They combined their personal talents with cultural traditions, creating a deep sense of belonging. Their art has not only changed how the college looks but also how it feels.
We're a new kind of news feed.
Regular news is designed to drain you. We're a non-profit built to restore you. Every story we publish is scored for impact, progress, and hope.
Start Your News DetoxRihan, a final-year BA student, started drawing as a child. He constantly doodled, and people noticed his talent. His family and teachers encouraged him. By Class nine, he was painting signboards and wall murals for money. Later, he worked on educational panels in government schools.
When Rihan came to Sahyadri for his degree, his talent found a bigger platform. With the college's support, he began painting signboards and murals on campus walls. His creations are now part of daily college life.
Meghana, a final-year B.Com student, added another layer of beauty. She comes from a family of Hase artists. She learned this traditional art by watching her grandmother Halamma and mother Saroja. Hase chittara is popular in Karnataka’s Malnad region. It features geometric patterns and is often seen during weddings and other special events.
When Meghana mentioned Hase drawing as a hobby, the faculty saw her potential. Her patterns now adorn the campus, bringing a tradition usually found in homes and ceremonies into the shared college space.
A Lasting Legacy
Together, Rihan and Meghana have made the college feel more alive, rooted, and personal. Their work has also reached beyond the campus. Through National Service Scheme camps in nearby villages, their paintings have been praised by locals.
Most students leave college with memories. Rihan and Meghana will leave something more lasting. Long after they graduate, a part of them will remain on these walls, greeting every student who walks by.
Deep Dive & References
Students beautify college walls with murals and Hase Chittara patterns in Karnataka - The Hindu, 2026
