About Vedarani

Dr. Vedarani Dasanur

Dr. Vedarani Dasanur is a distinguished artist, art director, and cultural visionary, renowned for her pioneering work in preserving India’s rural heritage through art. She serves as the Art Director of Utsav Rock Garden, an acclaimed educational and cultural destination in Karnataka that she has artistically developed over the past 18 years. Through thousands of sculptures and installations, the Garden celebrates the vanishing traditions of rural India, transforming it into a living museum of folk culture, art, and values.

The daughter of Dr. T. B. Solabakkanavar, an educationist and social thinker, Dr. Vedarani inherited a deep appreciation for culture, creativity, and social responsibility. She is married to Mr. Prakash Dasanoor, an entrepreneur and art enthusiast who has been a steadfast supporter of her artistic journey. Together, they have nurtured Utsav Rock Garden into one of India’s most unique cultural landmarks.

A multifaceted creative force, Dr. Vedarani’s expertise spans painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, folklore, and yoga. She is the Founder and Director of the Gurukula-style Sculpture Art Training Center, which trains and supports emerging artists through hands-on learning and livelihood opportunities. As President of the Utsav Rock Garden Samiti, she curates art camps, poetry sessions, cultural festivals, and award ceremonies that honor outstanding contributions to art and literature.

Dr. Vedarani holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and has been honored with several prestigious awards for her contributions to art and culture. Her poetry and interviews have been featured on All India Radio, Doordarshan, and in leading publications. Under her leadership, Utsav Rock Garden has achieved eight world records and continues to grow through several visionary projects that celebrate creativity and cultural heritage.

Dr. Vedarani believes that art should empower society and connect people to their cultural roots. Her life’s work stands as a testament to how creativity, community, and compassion can come together to celebrate India’s heritage. As one of the few women leading in such a vast and multidimensional field of art, she continues to inspire generations of artists and admirers alike.

Awards

  • Kittur Rani Chennamma Award
  • Mantralayam Parimala Prashasthi
  • Honorary Doctorate
  • Karnataka Rajyotsava Award

Projects

  • Kittur Rani Chennamma Project
  • Shishunala Sharif Bhavikya Udyanavana
  • Family Garden
  • Earth Wall
  • An Interpretative Portrait of Queen Keladi Chennamma
  • Utsav Rock Garden

Achievements

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Sculpture’s Created – 10000+

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Projects Completed – 10+

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Awards – 20+

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Artists Trained – 300 +

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Visitors Visited Utsav rock garden – 2 Million +

Fields of Work

Architect of Regional (Traditional) Houses

Under the visionary leadership of Vedarani Dasnur, a series of regional and traditional houses from across India have been recreated at Utsav Rock Garden. Each of these homes stands as a living symbol of India’s rich folk culture and architectural heritage. Built using eco-friendly materials such as sun-dried bricks, these houses not only preserve tradition but also promote sustainable living practices. They serve as valuable models for architecture and engineering students, offering insight into India’s diverse styles of vernacular design.

Among the many creations are the mud houses of North Karnataka, the Bhonga houses of Gujarat, dome-shaped igloos, the Toda tribal huts, and even cave-like dwellings — each capturing the spirit of the communities they represent. Every house functions as a mini art gallery, with interiors adorned in the traditional painting styles of that particular region. For instance, the Bhonga house features the folk mural art of Kutch, the Toda house displays their tribal motifs, the Karnataka home is embellished with Warli paintings, while other houses depict Mughal, Madhubani, Kalamkari, and Gond art forms, celebrating the artistic diversity of India.

These houses are not just for display — they are habitable and fully furnished with authentic regional artifacts. The beds, chairs, tables, and decorative elements used inside each home reflect the culture and craftsmanship of that specific area. Together, the fusion of traditional paintings and architectural styles reflects Vedarani Dasnur’s deep study and passion for Indian folk heritage. Today, this section of Utsav Rock Garden has become a center of learning and inspiration, attracting not only tourists but also art and design students from across the country.

Creator of the Verdant Indian Grove

In today’s fast-paced world, life has become exceedingly competitive, and as a result of human greed, our environment is becoming increasingly polluted. Villages are no longer remaining as true villages; they are slowly turning into reflections of cities. In such a time, transforming forty-five acres of land into a lush green sanctuary is indeed a remarkable achievement.

At Utsav Rock Garden, everything is authentically native — from the earth to the atmosphere. The land has been enriched with a wide variety of Indian trees and plants, each lovingly planted and nurtured. The entire care and supervision of this green expanse rests with Mrs. Vedarani Dasnur, who has ensured that no chemical fertilizers are ever used. Every plant has been grown purely through organic cultivation. The fallen leaves are carefully collected and transformed into natural compost, which is then used to nourish the soil once again.

Within this green haven thrive fig, banyan, neem, arali, teak, mahogany, silver oak, hulagali, bamboo, nerale (jamun), guava, mango, coconut, jackfruit, tamarind, sapota (chikku) and many more Indian tree species. This natural abundance has turned Utsav Rock Garden into a living paradise of art and greenery, offering visitors not only beauty but also the breath of pure nature.

For over sixteen years, Vedarani has tended this botanical richness with great devotion. Her nurturing hands have given life not only to trees but also to countless birds, animals, and living beings that now inhabit this natural ecosystem. She believes deeply that no fallen leaf should ever be burned to ash, but instead must return to the soil as a gift of organic life.

In a time when many tourist destinations are sadly contributing to environmental destruction, Vedarani has set a noble example by establishing rainwater harvesting pits throughout the garden, ensuring that rainwater is used wisely and sustainably. Even if one tree withers due to nature’s unpredictability, she immediately replaces it with another green life — a reflection of her fertile, compassionate spirit.

Rejecting the idea of exploiting nature for tourism, she has built Utsav Rock Garden as a harmonious blend of art, culture, and ecology, proving that true creativity flourishes only when it lives in balance with the earth.

Director of Gurukula-Style Sculpture Training Centre

Mrs. Vedarani Dasnur serves as the Director of the Sculpture Training Centres at Utsav Rock Garden, Gotagodi, and Raipur, Dharwad. Since 2005, she has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of sculptors by providing free training, food, and accommodation in a Gurukula-style learning environment.

Her unique initiative welcomes both fine arts graduates and enthusiastic, self-taught youth, offering them professional training in traditional and contemporary sculptural techniques. Through this program, she has created sustainable employment opportunities, empowering countless artists to become self-reliant and skilled professionals.

Under her visionary leadership, the centre has evolved into a nationally recognized hub for sculptural excellence. Mrs. Dasnur’s constant presence and hands-on mentorship inspire hundreds of artists daily, guiding them to create world-class works of art. Over the years, she has successfully trained thousands of artists, transforming lives through art, education, and opportunity.

President of the Utsav Rock Garden Committee – Promotimg Social Activities

As the President of the Utsav Rock Garden Committee, Dr. Vedarani Dasnur has been at the forefront of promoting art, culture, and creativity among children and youth. Through the committee, she has organized numerous art camps, workshops, and cultural programs aimed at nurturing young talent and fostering artistic awareness.

Her initiatives extend to nature and literary activities, including poetry gatherings, book launches, and intellectual discussions, creating a vibrant space for cultural exchange. She has also hosted seminars and guidance sessions on various fine art forms, encouraging emerging artists and enthusiasts alike.

To ensure the holistic development of rural children, the organization regularly conducts folk festivals, summer art camps, and children’s fairs, offering platforms for expression and learning. In recognition of distinguished contributions to amateur and professional theatre, the committee also presents awards to eminent personalities.

In addition, art competitions for youth are held annually, with prizes and encouragement to inspire the next generation of artists. Under Dr. Vedarani’s leadership, the Utsav Rock Garden Committee continues to stand as a beacon of cultural preservation, creativity, and community empowerment.

Curator of Traditional (Village) Equipment’s

Utsav Rock Garden is a treasure trove of many themes, and one among them is the Village Equipment Section. This segment recreates the charm of traditional North Karnataka homes, thoughtfully designed using authentic objects once part of everyday rural life. The houses are adorned with tools, utensils, and decorative pieces that rural men and women used in their daily activities — from household furniture like wooden chests, cupboards, radios, chairs, and cradles, to mirrors, umbrellas, ropes, pots, grinding stones, and traditional utensils. Every object tells a story of a time when simplicity and craftsmanship shaped daily living.

Adding to this charm are the beautifully carved wooden doors, pillars, and intricate designs that grace the recreated homes — including those of Gowdas, Shettis, Kambars, Badigers, Potters, Weavers, and Shepherds. Each home showcases a unique collection of artifacts and traditional tools, arranged with artistic precision and architectural grace. The combination of sculpture, design, and authentic objects transforms this section into a living museum that captivates every visitor.

This collection is the vision of Vedarani Dasnur, who has dedicated herself to preserving India’s fading village heritage. As modernization continues to change rural landscapes, traditional attire, household items, and farming tools are slowly disappearing. By collecting, restoring, and artistically presenting these cultural treasures, Vedarani Dasnur has breathed new life into them — ensuring that the soul of rural India continues to inspire generations to come.

Poet

Dr. Vedarani’s poems have been featured in several special editions of leading newspapers and magazines across Karnataka. Even during her student days, she received numerous awards for her poetry. She is the recipient of the Karnataka Lekhakiyara Sangha Gudibande Poornima Award and the Sankramana Kavya Award for her exceptional literary contributions. Her poems and interviews have also been broadcast on All India Radio and Doordarshan, bringing her creative voice to a wider audience across the state.

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