THE GOAN
PANAJI
The familiar blue-and-white Azulejo tiles of Goa have found a place among the handicrafts specially curated for President Droupadi Murmu’s 2026 Independence Day ‘At Home’ invitation. Bringing together centuries-old crafts and the skilled hands of artisans from across the country, the invitation celebrates India’s rich and diverse artistic heritage. For many artists, art is a form of freedom and expression, and the coming together of art forms from different states is a reminder that, despite our many differences, art continues to unite us.
A proud moment
Shankar Turi from Marcel, specialised in Ceramic art Azulejos art from Lisbon, Portugal, who has a Workshop Located in Bicholim, found his tile the honourable seat amidst the many other art forms. Speaking about his experience, he shares the moments, the process, and the tale behind the tile. Looking upon this undertaking as a matter of great privilege, he says, “It was indeed a great honour to be entrusted with this project.”
Researching Goa
The project came his way after they first researched Goan Art. Seeing the popularity and demand for Azulejos not just in Goa but outside too, they got Turi on board. “Due to my professional learning in this field, I was invited to NID to create an artwork in the traditional Goan Azulejos style for the official Independence Day invitation,” Turi says, adding that he wanted to create something that would not only showcase Goa's artistic tradition but also tell a meaningful story about the state.
Thus, the subject was given to them by the design team of NID. They decided on the Khazan lands. “The Khazan lands are one of Goa's greatest yet lesser-known treasures. They represent centuries of community wisdom, sustainable farming, and harmony between people and nature,” Turi mentions. He felt that this landscape truly reflects Goa's identity beyond its beaches. “By featuring the Khazan wetlands, I wanted to highlight the resilience, environmental richness, and cultural heritage of Goa, making it a meaningful symbol for India's Independence Day celebration,” he adds.
Creating the tile
Achieving the desired result was no child’s play. The artwork involved extensive research. “Not only did I have to research how I wanted the artwork to look, but there was also the sketching, composition, and, of course, hand-painting in the traditional Azulejos style,” he replies, commenting on the process that went into making the tile. Any form of artwork is not without its challenges; for Turi, making this was indeed a challenge too that served as a beautiful learning process. “They wanted artwork in a round-shaped tile, not a square one. Even the thickness of the tile was thin. Every detail had to be carefully planned,” he says, adding that it took him several weeks to complete, from concept to the final artwork.
Khazan inspiration
Reflecting on all that went into working on this project, Turi mentions that this artwork deepened his appreciation for the Khazan ecosystem. “My respect and appreciation for the generations of people who have protected and managed it grew immensely,” he remarks, noting that it reminded him that Goa's true beauty lies not only in its landscapes but also in the relationship between its people and nature. The tile is not only a piece of artwork, but one that tells a tale. “One detail I am especially proud of is that I could tell a story of Goa through this artwork that I made,” Turi adds.
A lifelong passion
For Turi, Azulejos is much more than simply an art form. “It is my life's journey and my passion. For over two decades, I have dedicated myself to reviving and promoting this beautiful art,” he shares. Every tile that he creates carries a story that preserves history, traditions, and culture. “Through Turi Azulejos & Pottery, my aim has always been to keep this heritage alive,” he hopes.
Unity in diversity
Having received an honourable place amidst the invitation that features several other art forms such as Kaavi from the Konkan coast, Bagh print from Madhya Pradesh and Warli from Maharashtra, it was indeed a moment of pride for not just him but for Goa as well. “Bringing these art forms together in a single invitation beautifully reflects the spirit of 'Unity in Diversity." While giving us traditional artists the recognition for our art and encouraging its preservation,” he states.
A dream come true
Expressing his happiness, he says, “Seeing a traditional Goan art form represented on an invitation from the Hon'ble President of India for Independence Day is a dream come true moment,” he says, adding that he hopes this recognition inspires more people to appreciate and preserve traditional arts. “Above all, I feel proud that through this artwork, Goa's heritage has found a place on a national platform,” he adds with a smile.
For Shankar Turi, the artwork is more than a place on an invitation. It is a reminder that Goa’s heritage has stories worth telling and preserving. As the Azulejos tile finds its place alongside traditional art forms from across India, it carries with it a small but significant story of Goa’s land, people, and living traditions.
