In a vibrant display of cultural reawakening, the Punjab Kala Parishad, Chandigarh, has launched a series of events under the banner “Rebooting Punjab,” captivating audiences with seminars, lectures, theatre performances, and art exhibitions from February 14 to March 31. Among the highlights was an art exhibition at the Gallery of Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, opened by the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi in association with the Punjab Kala Parishad.
The exhibition, titled “Guru Nanak Prawh: Gyan Da Prakash” or “The Flow of Guru Nanak: Light of Knowledge,” brought together a rich collection of artworks inspired by Guru Nanak, the revered founder of Sikhism. Curated by noted Amritsar-based muralist Sumit Dua, the show featured a diverse array of paintings and installations from both state and national-level artists. The event culminated in a grand concluding ceremony chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, following an engaging five-day preview where artists shared their creative journeys and the influence of Guru Nanak’s teachings.
One of the exhibition’s most celebrated contributors, the internationally acclaimed artist Sidharth (born Harjinder Singh), revealed that the spiritual legacy of Guru Nanak has been a profound source of inspiration throughout his career. Based in New Delhi and the recipient of the Punjab Gaurav Award (2024), Sidharth explained that his approach to art—utilizing organic pigments derived from vegetables, minerals, and earth—mirrors the Guru’s emphasis on living in harmony with nature. “It’s a way to celebrate Guru Nanak’s teachings and his impact on our culture. It reminds us how important it is to keep our Punjabi heritage alive,” he stated, addressing a captivated audience of students and art enthusiasts.
Distinguished artist Prem Singh, a former Principal of the College of Art, presented his evocative pen drawings that delve into the spiritual dimensions of Guru Nanak’s life. Similarly, Swarnjit Singh Savi, Chairman of the Punjab Kala Parishad and an accomplished artist and poet, showcased a series of paintings inspired by traditional ‘Janam Sakhi’ narratives, adding imaginative layers to the interpretation of the Guru’s legacy. Renowned Punjabi scholar Amarjit Grewal also contributed to the exhibition, using his paintings to evoke a deep connection with the spiritual essence of Guru Nanak’s philosophy.
Among the varied installations, the artwork “Tera Hi Tera” has been permanently installed in the Vice-Chancellor’s office at the university, serving as a lasting tribute to the initiative. The exhibition also drew attention to a rare collection of photographs depicting 19th-century frescoes from Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib. These images, showcasing original earthy tones and gold accents, serve as a poignant reminder of the historical artworks that were lost or damaged during a controversial renovation in 1971, when synthetic paints replaced traditional methods.
Additionally, the show featured a range of paintings by R M Singh and other artists from a collaborative workshop at Dera Baba Nanak. Previously stored away for years, these works have been brought back into public view thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi.
The “Rebooting Punjab” initiative has not only celebrated artistic talent but has also reaffirmed a collective commitment to preserving and reinvigorating Punjabi cultural heritage. As audiences and art lovers converge to witness this celebration of history, philosophy, and artistic innovation, the legacy of Guru Nanak continues to illuminate paths of creativity and cultural pride in modern Punjab.
