Monks Painting

UMAKANT TAWDE Date of birthBorn on 1981. Umakant Tawde has an eternal passion to depict peace, harmony and unity in nature and material world. He subjugates the concept in various forms and symbols. His distinction as a solicitous painter can be admired in the depth of his thoughts, in upcoming series of 12 paintings titled Manifesto Peace.The paintings are represented in very colloquial manner, using native style of canvas representation, the current trend of computer effects, graphic work and installation. If Gandhiji is much acclaimed figure in the world, inspiring most powerful people, then why is the need to portray him? Of course! It necessary to do so. Shown in the painting From Mohandas to Mahatma, is his transition from a tip-top dressed youth for a white- collared profession to a fighter( outside war zone) for human rights, freedom and unity. It magnetizes us to his personality and fervor. The painting also depicts his motive to change the external appearance and that was to empathize with the people he struggled, for viz. the poor Indian society; harassed and denied of justice due to caste, class and ambitious differences. Patience and understanding were the keys of his philosophy. His resistance was unique in its form: Non- violence- the act which was far remote from framed mind- set that a fight means arms- for- arms. His thoughts echoed and received attention by people all over India and also in other nations that were being slaved by vindictives; as in South Africa.The artist himself confesses of knowing very little about Gandhiji in his childhood and of paying homage to him after hoisting the national flag on Republic Day and Independence Day. He then wondered why Gandhiji was considered Father of the Nation and what was his greatness compared to other freedom fighters who shed their blood and sacrificed their lives for freedom? But as he matured, profound thoughts took over his innocence, he gained insight into the brighter side of freedom struggle staged by Gandhiji through Peace and Unity. The gist was Silence is powerful than words or action. His creations represent the same.The color, feel of texture charges the feeling of patriotism in The Charkha of Unity. Prodigy of Gandhi lies not only confining himself to minimal needs to stay alive and carry out the mission, but also in having innumerable followers following his footsteps of living simple life, wearing khadi and being vegetarians.