Akbar Saheb paintings bring alive PM Modi’s vision

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his vision and incredible journey, Dubai-based eminent artist Akbar Saheb is presenting his 55 artworks in the Capital. The exhibition was inaugurated by G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of North-eastern Region yesterday, October 28 at the National Gallery of Modern Art.

Curated by Rajeev Menon the exhibition is open to the public till November 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The artworks depict themes that are bound to resonate with every Indian across the country as each of them is deeply rooted in the initiatives taken by the Union Government and is directly linked to the common man’s aspirations and progress of the nation.

The artist’s aim is to encourage viewers and people through these works. For instance, the painting titled “Dare to Dream”, documents the courageous journey of a young boy, selling tea in a small town in Gujarat realising his destiny of becoming the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy.

Success stories of the PM too are highlighted in paintings as well as the challenges he faced in his various projects such as Vibrant Gujarat, Shining Bright (based on Asia’s largest solar park in Gujarat), Statue of Unity, Truth Prevails, Sadhbhavana Yatra and others.

“Lasting Impact” which depicts PM’s power of resilience and endurance and “Bharat Mata”, another evocative work in which his mother is personified as Bharat Mata stand out in the show.

More than 40 works are based on the popular series of talks, Mann ki Baat.

Paintings like “Sankalp Se Siddhi”, “Say NO to Black Money”, “Beware of Drugs”, “Save our Farmers”, “Water is a Blessing” and “Helping Hands are masterful” besides having an aesthetic appeal also send out a powerful message of humanity and compassion.

PM’s standing in the international arena comes to the fore through the work titled “Two Great Leaders”, illustrating some special moments he shared with President Barack Obama.

Covering some of the major events in PM’s life there are works on the challenges of demonetization, Indus water treaty and the heroic sacrifices of the Indian Army.

Saheb, who hails from Karnataka, also does well to present a narrative of mass mobilization and the positive impact of programmes like Swachh Bharat, Digital India, Mudra Yojana, Yoga as part of Life, electrification of villages and LPG connections for the poor in this collection of paintings.