Telangana’s Mancherial artist etches his name in India Book of Records

Alupula Pocham accomplishes marathon live sketch journey titled 'Kala Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari' for the first time in the country

Mancherial: Alupula Pocham, a live sketch artist from Chennur town, entered his name in the India Book of Records by accomplishing his marathon live sketch journey, ‘Kala Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari,’ for the first time in the country.

On Saturday, the publication’s representatives at Faridabad in Haryana presented him with a certificate of recognition for his rare feat.

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To prove that one can earn fame and sensitise the public about the field of art, Pocham embarked on this daunting journey by resigning as art teacher at a renowned private school in Hyderabad in December 2017.

He culminated his unique journey in June of 2024. He covered 28 States, four Union Territories, 36 fine arts colleges, eight Jyotirlingas and eight Shakti Peethas, producing around 15,000 live sketches of attractive scenes and humans in the journey spanning 2,410 days.

The 36-year-old managed to carve a niche out for himself in this unconventional domain, live drawing by setting off on the arduous journey. He became Telangana’s first travel artist.

His name was etched on the IBR for completing the journey. He was the first artist to achieve the feat in the country. He was congratulated by friends and colleagues for getting recognised by the publication.

Besides, Pocham created awareness of the prospects of art-related courses among students and the importance of art in life among citizens during the arduous journey. He stayed on the premises of temples and schools and travelled by vehicles lent by good Samaritans to picture popular tourist spots and scenic places of a State.

The son of an agricultural labourer from Maremmawada in historical Chennur town attributed his success in this field to the encouragement of his school drawing teachers Madduri Raju Yadav, Satyanarayana and sibling Sagar who extended unwavering support to him in his endeavours.

He pursued BFA (Painting) from Potti Sriramulu Fine Arts University and earned post-graduation at Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya of Chhattisgarh.