RIYADH — The Embassy of India, Riyadh, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting India’s rich artistic heritage by hosting a special painting exhibition as part of its ongoing “Pravasi Parichay” (Expat Introduction) series. The event, held within a dedicated pavilion on the Embassy grounds, provided a vibrant platform for Riyadh-based Indian artists to showcase their talents and celebrate the deep-rooted tradition of fine arts in India.
The “Pravasi Parichay” series is a flagship cultural initiative by the Embassy, designed to celebrate India’s diverse religious, traditional, and cultural legacies. It provides a unique opportunity for the expatriate community, particularly those from different Indian states, to engage with and appreciate the rich tapestry of one another’s local cultures.
This year’s painting exhibition was coordinated by Mrs. Manuja Mohammed and featured the works of 12 talented painters from the Indian expatriate community, 11 of whom were women. The diverse collection highlighted a range of styles and techniques, including abstract art, traditional Indian folk art, and landscapes, created using mediums such as oil paint and alcohol ink.
According to a senior participant, the exhibition successfully brought together artists to share their creative vision with the community. The participating artists included:
- Almas Imam Jaffar Ali
- Anupama
- Jikson Jose
- Kirthiga Prabu
- Nilofer Fatima
- Nooriya Sham
- Puran Silla
- Rashmi M. Dongaonkar
- Roopali Manish Bodhmage
- Smita R. Nair
- Suja Prasanth
- Susmitha Dhruva Chitradurga
This exhibition is part of the Embassy’s sustained effort to champion Indian art and culture in Saudi Arabia. It follows other significant initiatives, such as the exhibition held during the “Amrit Mahotsav” (celebrating 75 years of Indian independence). That event featured works by internationally acclaimed, Riyadh-based Indian painter Mrs. Sabiha Majeed Siddiqui alongside several renowned Saudi artists, serving as a testament to the robust cultural relations between India and Saudi Arabia.
The Embassy’s consistent patronage, complemented by private art institutions in Riyadh, has been credited with fostering a growing enthusiasm for painting and other fine arts among the city’s expatriate community.
