BHU Faculty’s Mural Project in Paris Brings Pride to the University

Varanasi: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s cultural presence abroad, Banaras Hindu University marked a moment of collective pride as renowned Indian artist and muralist Prof. Suresh K. Nair from the Faculty of Visual Arts carried out a prestigious cultural mission in France. Representing the richness and diversity of Indian visual arts on an international platform, the initiative, sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, emerged as a notable milestone in the cultural exchange between India and France.

(3) Suresh K. Nair - YouTube
As part of the project, Prof. Nair has created a mural at the Embassy of India, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Paris. The mural vividly showcases India’s visual and performing arts traditions, bringing together classical and folk forms such as Kathakali, Manipuri dance, Kathak, Theyyam, Bharatanatyam, and Shadow Puppetry. Executed in a traditional decorative style enriched with gold accents, the work reflects the aesthetic depth of Indian art forms. Measuring 10.5 feet by 33.8 feet, the mural was completed with a 10-day engagement. Prof. Nair pointed out that the mural is now recognised as the largest Indian painting installed in Paris to date.

The mural received appreciation from the Indian Ambassador to France, H.E. Mr. Sanjeev Singla, and the Director General of ICCR, Ms. K. Nandini Singla. The project is attracting wide attention from artists, cultural practitioners, and art enthusiasts.