 In 1981, Swaminathan discovered a young gond artist Jangarh Singh Shyam painting on the mud walls of his house, who became the first known modern Gond artist .Recognizing the potential of his talent, Swaminathan took him to the city and held painting exhibitions where Shyam’s paintings were exhibited.Soon, Shyam gained international recognition and his paintings were displayed in the art exhibitions of Japan, UK and US.