To make that dream a reality, he has entered into a partnership unique to the art world.

At the initiative of Chandrakant Patel, chairman of the Khadi Gramudyog Cooperative of Vadodara, Rathwa will move on from painting on walls or on clothes to tee-shirts, hand-bags and lampshades.

In another first, Rathwa also plans to conduct a training camp for 1,600 inmates of the Baroda Central Jail.

Hailing from Malja village of Chhotaudepur taluka, Rathwa has been painting for at least three decades now. He has held exhibitions in New Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta. He has been felicitated by former Prime Minister I K Gujral; his work adorns the homes of almost all those who have been chief ministers of Gujarat.

``A Pithora work of art incorporates pooja and painting'', says Rathwa. ``That is why most Gujaratis like it. This traditional art is centuries-old.''

Patel says the idea of using Rathwa's work in Khadi products was born in his own fascination with the Pithora painter's works. BCJ superintendent Ramniwas Meena, on the other hand, says teaching this art form to prisoners was one way of ensuring it remained alive.

Moreover, since most of the inmates of the BCJ are tribals, they can be assumed to have a natural affinity for this art form.

``We plan to start the two-week-long course within a fortnight'', Meena and Patel say, adding that they plan to ask paint companies and social organisations to donate clothes and colours for the sessions.

The money raised through the sale of their works will go back to the prisoners, while Rathwa will be given a remuneration for his services.