Tsuktiben Jamir
The National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, a prominent institution under the Union Ministry of Culture, welcomed art enthusiasts and connoisseurs to the highly anticipated art exhibition titled “Maharaja’s Legacy: Unveiling Air India’s Artistic Heritage.” The exhibition, inaugurated by the esteemed Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, on June 13, 2023, aims to celebrate Air India’s profound contribution to redefining the air travel experience through a captivating collection of artworks.
With meticulous care, the “Maharaja’s Legacy” has been curated to highlight works of art by eminent artists including VS Gaitonde, GR Santosh, KH Ara, B Prabha, Pilloo Pochkhanwala, MF Husain, Raghav Kaneria, and others. The show, which features over 200 themed pieces of art, offers a rare look at Air India’s crucial role as an arts patron, helping artists at a time when traditional patronage was dwindling. During the inauguration, MoS Meenakshi Lekhi hailed the show as an accurate representation of the Maharaja’s collection, chronicling 80 years of the Air India story via arresting paintings and artefacts. The Minister acknowledged the value of patronage in the art world and thanked Air India for fostering and supporting artists. She recognised that because artists are continually working to push themselves farther and improve their craft, they have an innate divine aspect. In light of the ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav festivities, Lekhi emphasised the need of embracing and appreciating our rich traditions, saying that encouraging art and craft calls for a sincere feeling of pride in our historical roots.
“Only when we take pride in who we are, can we promote art and craft,” she said.
MoS (Culture) Lekhi emphasised the need of narrating India’s 80-year journey and capturing the essence of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav across various locations and platforms in order to highlight the relevance of the exhibition. She asserted that despite the present emphasis on infrastructural development, India has always been a culturally rich country. She also stressed the need of protecting and promoting the nation’s cultural legacy. She also highlighted the Prime Minister’s steadfast dedication to promoting all genres of art and culture, including the creation of museums, the preservation of cultural assets, and the creation of new colleges with a focus on heritage.
Nazneen Banu, the Director of NGMA Mumbai, explained that the decision to house the Air India collection of arts and artifacts at the National Gallery of Modern Art was made following the government’s disinvestment of its stake in the airline. The impressive diversity and extensive range of the Air India collection contribute to its uniqueness, positioning it as a treasure trove with unparalleled historical significance among commercial airlines.
The “Maharaja’s Legacy: Unveiling Air India’s Artistic Heritage” art exhibition is scheduled to continue until August 13, 2023, at the prestigious National Gallery of Modern Art in Fort, Mumbai. This unparalleled showcase of artistic brilliance is a testament to Air India’s enduring legacy as a patron of the arts, and an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of India’s artistic heritage.
Visitors will be taken on a visual trip as they tour the exhibition, capturing the grandeur and splendour of a bygone period and giving them a better appreciation of Air India’s significant impact on the artistic landscape. The show serves as a striking reminder of the value of art and culture in protecting our past and creating national pride, which in turn helps to create a society that is more alive and culturally diverse. In a world where the realm of air travel intertwines with the realm of artistic expression, “Maharaja’s Legacy” encapsulates the essence of Air India’s commitment to celebrating India’s artistic traditions, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who experience its splendour.
