Rajkot: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his 103rd episode of "Mann Ki Baat", shed light on a remarkable artist from Rajkot whose dedication to his craft spanned over two decades. The artist's poignant journey and unfinished work have now caught the nation's attention.
Prabhat Singh Barhat, a talented painter from Rajkot, embarked on an ambitious project in 1990: a processional painting depicting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's pilgrimage to pay homage to the family deity, Tulja Mataji, after his coronation. Sadly, Singh passed away in 2018, at the age of 65, leaving the artwork incomplete.
His wife, Lilaben, spoke about Prabhat's emotional connection with the artwork. To ensure authenticity, Singh visited the exact location in the Aravalli hills, where Shivaji's pilgrimage began, on three separate occasions. This profound connection and commitment to his work were evident in the intricate details of the painting.
Bhagirathbhai Barhat, Prabhat's younger brother, revealed that the initial goal was to create an 888-meter long painting that encapsulated the entirety of Shivaji's journey. By the time of Singh's demise, 120 meters of the painting had been completed. The artist aspired not only to record this historic event but also hoped his painting would set a world record as the largest processional painting.
While Singh's passing left the family with a sense of an unfulfilled dream, the Prime Minister's acknowledgment of the painter's dedication during "Mann Ki Baat" filled them with pride. Overwhelmed with emotion, Lilaben expressed, "Wherever he is today, he would be beaming with happiness. I can feel his presence beside me." With newfound hope, the family wishes for someone to complete the painting. Once finished, it stands to potentially become the world's largest processional painting.
