In this painting, Mata Gujri ji and the Chote Sahibzade are saying their Antim Ardas, their final prayer, in the cold tower where they were imprisoned by the Mughal police, before execution.
The religious and tourist capital of Punjab, Amritsar is a developing city with an international airport, that not only serves people in the state of Punjab but also the adjoining states including Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
There is a dire lack of Sikh literature in different languages, be it Hindi, Urdu, English etc. Sikh families living in other states of India or Western countries are facing a challenging situation to motivate their children. The need for Gumat based educational tools is at an all-time high.
This story was told as a way to invite our youth, ourselves, and anyone who has a heart to receive it, to join the Sahibzade as children of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib as well as grandchildren of Mata Gujri ji and Guru Teg Bahadur.
Chhotte Sahibzade of [ sons of Guru Gobind Singh] attained martyrdom on 26 December 1705 at a very young age of 9 & 5 only. This is known as Saka Sirhind.
Satpal Singh reflects on the concept of individual control (free will) or divine control (Hukam - destiny). Using the shabadh Akhan Jor Chuppai Neh Jor from Japji Sahib.
In my creative exploration I have found that each scene is individually so potent with emotion and meaning that every painting must stand alone in style, colour and form so that it can convey its' own singular message.
As we stand up to assert our sovereignty to defend our way of life, let us do so for the entire human race - for Sarbat Da Bhala. Let us dedicate every meeting, every word and every action so that one day all people, no matter where they live, will feel protected and safe to worship the Creator according to their own consciousness and their own choice.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women launched sixteen days of activism ending on friday, December 10th, International Human Rights Day.