Dr Meenakshi Dubey-Pathak an independent rock art expert and artist has been awarded by the French Ministry of Culture and Communications,the honour was conferred upon her during the ceremony of bestowal of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des arts et des Lettres” (Knights of National order Arts and Letters) by the Ambassador of France to India Francois Richier. on Friday 5thDecember, 2014 at 6.30 p.m. at the Residence of France, French Embassy,Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. .
She has been bestowed with the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres by the Minister of Culture and Communication Mrs Aurelie Filippetti. The distinction is in recognition of her special contribution to promote Rock Art in India and around the world. Her Indo-French collaboration with Jean Clottes to disclose Rock Art in Madhya Pradesh is a wonderful tribute to the development of relations between France and India.
An independent researcher, Meenakshi started her research work on the rock art of Satpura ranges in Pachmarhi hills, under the national fellowship go University Grant Commission(UGC)in 1987.
During her research work she discovered and explored 25 painted rock shelters in Pachmarhi between 1986 and 2012 and also Protected 10 Rock Art Sites in Satpura National Park, Pachmarhi, with the collaboration of the Forest Department, Govt. of M.P.
The expert was also established a Petroglyph Park with the help of the Indian Army at Karu near Leh in the year 2002. The park has been named “Trishul Petroglyphs Park”.
She held many solo exhibitions and workshops in the different parts of the world, on Indian Rock Art, to create awareness among the public. Paintings on canvas, tree bark, stones, Bhojpatra, and glass with different mediums.
Delivered lectures on Indian Rock Art and tribal Art in various National and International Universities and Museums:
She has also published about 50 research papers and reports in various international and national journals, collective books and newspapers; plus two books: – “Rock Art of Pachmarhi Biosphere”. Delhi. BR Publications. 2013; —
with Dr Jean Clottes: “Images for the Gods. Rock art and Tribal art of Central India: In French. 2013: Des Images pour les Dieux. Art rupestre et Art tribal dans le Centre de l’Inde. Arles, Éditions Errance/Actes Sud (France).