Dr. Saju Thuruthil: The Master Muralist of Modern India

Dr. Saju Thuruthil: The Master Muralist of Modern India

By Author

Published on June 12, 2025

In the quiet village of Kalady, Kerala, resides Dr. Saju Thuruthil—one of India’s most revered mural artists, who has spent over 35 years redefining Kerala’s traditional art form. While he stays away from the mainstream art market, his influence resonates globally, with over 2,000 artworks in private collections across 38 countries. His murals grace every airport in Kerala, blending heritage with modern public spaces.

A Life Dedicated to Mural Art

Dr. Thuruthil holds India’s first Ph.D. in mural painting, has authored a textbook on the subject, and has led the Mural Painting Department at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, for 27 years. As Director of the Kerala Mural Heritage Conservation Centre, he has restored ancient murals in over a dozen temples, including the famed Padmanabhaswamy Temple. He has received numerous national and state awards and fellowships.

Almost three decades ago, he turned his home into Kerala’s first residential art gallery—an act of devotion that brought mural art closer to people, making it both personal and accessible.

Reimagining the Mural Form

Though rooted in traditional temple art, Dr. Thuruthil revolutionized the mural format by adapting it to canvas. This evolution expanded its reach into hotels, airports, corporate spaces, and homes, while his themes began to reflect deeper emotional and social undertones.

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Iconic Series and Signature Works

His most acclaimed works include:

  • "Chayamukhi": A series of over 500 pieces exploring nostalgia, femininity, and longing—collected by names like the Tata Group, Union Bank, and TVS.
  • "Sri Chakra Kundalini": A spiritual series inspired by tantric philosophy and Kerala’s color traditions.
  • "Lady with Bird": 250 charcoal works with poetic stillness, often adorning hotel suites.
  • "Yakshi": A visual ode to feminine divinity in 85 expressive paintings.
  • "Vastraapaharanam": A 6x4 ft reimagining of Krishna and the gopis, focused on purity and beauty.
  • "Three Girls": A tender portrayal of childhood, beloved for its emotional intimacy.
  • "Radhika": A 12x4 ft mural capturing Radha’s longing, housed in Hotel Royal Resoi, Mumbai.

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Monumental Projects and Conservation

Dr. Saju’s commitment extends beyond canvas. He led the restoration of several historic temples and completed massive mural works, including:

  • A 140-ft-long mural narrating the Mughal dynasty
  • A 140-ft Ramayana mural in Kerala style
  • The world’s largest Vishnumurti Theyyam mural (5,000+ sq. ft) at Kannur International Airport
  • A 70-ft mural at Cochin Airport portraying Kerala’s cultural richness

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A Living Legacy

With nearly 2,000 students trained, Dr. Thuruthil’s legacy is not just in his art but in his role as a mentor and movement leader. His works echo a timeless beauty—free from protest or anger, filled instead with grace, love, and reflection.

In a world rushing forward, Dr. Saju stands still—his brush rooted in tradition, his vision forever evolving. Through his silent dedication, he has given mural art a powerful voice, ensuring that Kerala’s visual heritage continues to thrive on a global canvas.

For collaborations or inquiries, please feel free to get in touch via www.sajuthuruthil.com.


Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Appoints New Executive Chef and Director of Finance

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Appoints New Executive Chef and Director of Finance

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 22, 2025

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has announced two key leadership appointments with the addition of Arun Vats as Executive Chef and Nileshwary Sharma as Director of Finance & Business Support. The hotel aims to further strengthen its culinary and financial operations with the diverse experience and expertise that both leaders bring.

Chef Arun Vats joins the hotel with more than 22 years of culinary experience across India, the Middle East, and international destinations. A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Gurdaspur, he began his career with ITC Hotels at ITC Sonar Bangla, Kolkata, and has since worked with leading brands including The Oberoi Hotels, Taj Group of Hotels and Hard Rock International. His global exposure includes roles on Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America Cruise Lines, along with significant positions in Oman and Seychelles. Before joining Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, he served as Director of Culinary for Accor Group at Novotel Dona Sylvia Resort Goa and Mercure Devaaya Resort, Goa. Chef Arun specialises in multiple global cuisines and brings a strong focus on innovation and evolving culinary trends.

Nileshwary Sharma takes on the role of Director of Finance & Business Support with over 13 years of financial leadership experience in the hospitality and corporate sectors. A Chartered Accountant and Bachelor of Commerce graduate, she has worked with respected organisations such as R.K. Jha and Associates, Sarupria Somani & Associates, Flicker Projects – Foods & Hospitality, and Alka Group of Hotels. Prior to this appointment, she served as Director of Finance at Ananta Hotels & Resorts, contributing to strategic planning and operational efficiency.

Sharad K Upadhyay, General Manager at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Arun and Nileshwary to the Crowne Plaza Greater Noida family. Their remarkable expertise, global exposure, and leadership qualities will further elevate our guest experiences and operational standards. We are confident that under their guidance, our culinary and financial operations will reach new heights of excellence.”

With these appointments, the hotel continues to reinforce its position as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers, supported by strong leadership and a commitment to service excellence.


Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur Appoints Ashutosh Jayee as General Manager

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur Appoints Ashutosh Jayee as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur has announced the appointment of Ashutosh Jayee as its general manager. In his new role, Jayee will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s staff and operations, along with managing sales and marketing to strengthen the hotel’s overall performance.

Jayee previously served as the head of sales and marketing at Radisson Blu Jammu, where he contributed to driving commercial strategies and enhancing business development.

“Ashutosh Jayee is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the community,” said Subash Singh Jamwal, owner of the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur.

Jayee is a native of Jammu and a 2003 graduate of Thames Valley University in Cambridge, UK, where he received a B.A. (Hons) in Hospitality Management. He later completed his master’s in business administration and master’s in tourism management in 2010 and 2012 respectively.


Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey Appoints Sreejith Kottla as General Manager

Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey Appoints Sreejith Kottla as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham, Alleppey at Nehru Trophy Finishing Point, Punnamada, Alappuzha has announced the appointment of Sreejith Kottla as its general manager. In his new role, Kottla will be responsible for overseeing the hotel operations, ensuring guest satisfaction, maximizing revenue, managing staff and maintaining overall quality and financial performance. He will also focus on promoting Alleppey as a premier MICE destination.

Kottla previously served as the general manager for Joys Hotels & Resorts, a hotel group based in Thrissur, Kerala, where he managed hotel operations and sales. His experience in leadership, guest servicing and operational efficiency has consistently contributed to improved hotel performance and enhanced guest engagement.

“Kottla is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada By Wyndham continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the Alleppey community,” said Reji Cheriyan, chairman of the Ramada By Wyndham, Alleppey.

Kottla is a native of Payyanur, Kerala, and a graduate of Srinivas College of Hotel Management in Mangalore, Karnataka, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in hotel management. He also holds an MBA from Xavier Institute of Management, Mumbai.

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