New Delhi, Jul 13: A powerful tribute to India’s Operation Sindoor and the resilience of the Indian armed forces is the centrepiece of artist Chandranath Das’s new solo exhibition, Himalaya: The Journey Through a Cascade of Colours, which opened Saturday at Triveni Kala Sangam.
At the heart of the exhibit is an untitled oil painting, captioned Operation Sindoor: A Tribute – The Red Mark of Duty. The striking abstract work features countless brush strokes, vibrant colours, and a symbolic stroke of real vermilion (sindoor) — representing sacrifice, resilience, and the spirit of duty.
The exhibition, which runs until July 22, showcases over 50 artworks portraying the Himalayas across seasons, yaks, and sacred landscapes. The paintings span charcoal, acrylic, and oil mediums.
Das, a former curator of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and a veteran artist, said his decades near the Himalayan region inspired the themes of strength and sacrifice. “This exhibition is dedicated to Operation Sindoor and to the women and men of our defence forces, whose unwavering commitment is a reminder of our nation’s courage,” he said.
The main painting features a symbolic sindoor mark on a woman’s head — a tribute to the personal and collective sacrifices tied to national defence. Facing this central piece on the opposite side is a large canvas of Mt. Everest, both symbolising courage and endurance.
Among the attendees at the opening was Prof. Ummu Salma Bava, Jean Monnet Chair at JNU, who praised the exhibition’s emotional depth and relevance. “The Himalayas are a natural frontier, and these artworks take us through their emotional and physical terrain,” she said.
Reflecting on the impact of Operation Sindoor — India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike — Prof. Bava noted, “The name sindoor now symbolizes action and courage, not just tradition. It marks a transformation in India’s foreign policy and national resolve.”
Other highlights include a triptych of Mt. Kanchenjunga and a painting titled DHR in Monsoon, depicting the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s steam engine against a lush, rain-washed backdrop.
Curated by his daughter, Chandrima Das, the show is both a personal and national tribute — to the mountains, the soldiers, and the spirit of resilience. (Agencies)
