Badri Narayan was a distinguished Indian artist, illustrator, and author known for his unique narrative paintings rooted in folklore and myth. Born in Secunderabad, he was largely self-taught and developed a distinctive style that deliberately stood apart from his contemporaries like the Bombay Progressives. His work is instantly recognizable by its two-dimensional, intimate scale, and delicate line work, which draws heavily from the traditions of Indian miniature painting and folk art. He primarily worked with watercolour, ink, and pastel, choosing smaller formats to create a sense of personal introspection and fantasy. Narayan was first and foremost a storyteller. His canvases are filled with allegories, common folk, and popular icons like Ganesha , often depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Jataka tales. He sought to create "art that heals," infusing his subjects with a gentle humanism and whimsical charm. A prolific writer and illustrator of children's books, his commitment to narrative and tradition earned him widespread recognition, including the Padma Shri in 1987. His works are held in major collections, including the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.