A Tribute to Mahatma by MS Murthy on the eve of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava

Dr. MS Murthy recently presented an exhibition themed ‘Gandhi-75’ on the eve of 75th-year celebrations of Indian independence at the Karnataka Chitra Kala Parishat here drew applause from the art fraternity, connoisseur and the general public.

A well-known art personality: Dr. MS Murthy is a well-known name in the art circles, both in the state and country as well. He was the Chairman of the Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy from 2015-17. Apart from being a curator for art shows, he is also known in literary circles as an art critic and author.

75 paintings of Gandhi: In the ‘Gandhi-75’ exhibition he presented, as the title itself suggests there were 75 paintings of several sizes right from miniature form and up to life-size ones. It also covered various moods, incidents, and reminiscences of the father of the nation.

I believe in Gandhi's vision: You may be rightly wondering why an exhibition of 75 paintings of Gandhi. It could be a coincidence on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the country’s independence. However, he has been working on Gandhi for the past seven years and most of the exhibits are drawn from those collections. And if you happen to ponder why Gandhi, Dr. MS Murthy replies-“I believe in Gandhiji’s idealism. There is a lot to learn from Gandhi. Perhaps his simple way of living is a message to today’s variety of problems”.

Pencil and water-colour: Interestingly he has deployed pencil and water-colour for the paintings. Just like MK Gandhi’s austere but unassuming personality these artworks give you an impression of being pleasing, silent, and meditating.

Relevance of Gandhi: Irrespective of a systematic canard campaign well orchestrated against Mahatma Gandhi against his contribution to the freedom struggle, MKG continues to be debated on his relevance in the changed circumstances across the globe. Just like Buddhism, the paradoxical predicament continues to remain by Gandhi becoming more intimate and adaptable to Westerners rather than us. Dr. MS Murthy asserts-“According to the response evinced to the exhibition, let there be no doubt about the present generation in their love and affection towards Bapu. Not just that, his teachings and ideals are relevant to the whole world even now”.

Offer from Three countries: N Jagannath Prakash, Executive Officer Karnataka Chitra Kala is terrifically impressed with the paintings. He also informs-“Three countries have come forward to sponsor a permanent auditorium for these Gandhi paintings”. Let us hope that if not his ideals at least Gandhi’s paintings be preserved in the country!

-Manohar Yadavatti

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