Reviving Mandi Kalam: Parul Kapoor's Artistic Journey
Parul Kapoor: A Beacon for Mandi Kalam
Munish Sood
MANDI:
When Parul Kapoor takes her brush in hand, her artwork transcends mere imagery. Infused with emotion and rich in meaning, her creations are revitalizing the lesser-known yet culturally significant art form known as Mandi Kalam.
A resident of Khaliyar in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Parul has dedicated herself to promoting Mandi Kalam beyond its local confines.
Inspired by this ancient hill art tradition, she is currently crafting a series of paintings utilizing natural colors and handmade materials, while skillfully incorporating elements of contemporary art, all without losing the essence of the original style.
From Banking to Art: An MBA Journey
Unlike typical decorative art that serves only aesthetic purposes, Parul’s creations are profound and thought-provoking. Her canvases intertwine strong emotions, spirituality, and creativity, showcasing a distinct artistic vision. Observers often comment that her paintings seem to 'come alive,' telling stories deeply rooted in culture and heritage.
With an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Panjab University, Chandigarh, Parul began her career in the banking industry. However, her passion for art has been a lifelong pursuit. For her, painting is not just a pastime but a disciplined and meditative practice.
In the past three to four years, she has intentionally channeled her creative energy into Mandi Kalam, producing remarkable works that have begun to attract broader attention.
Her exploration of Mandi Kalam took a pivotal turn under the mentorship of Rajesh Kumar, who inspired her to delve into this traditional art form. Historically linked to the reign of Raja Sidh Sen (1684-1727), Mandi Kalam is known for its use of natural handmade paper, organic pigments, and squirrel-hair brushes. The themes often depict Devi Maa, Lord Shiva, and other spiritual and cultural narratives from the region.
Aiming for Global Recognition of Mandi Kalam
While Kangra Kalam has gained national and international recognition, Mandi Kalam has largely remained overlooked. Parul believes this disparity must be addressed. Her goal is to elevate Mandi Kalam to a global stage while maintaining its original spirit. She is convinced that the art form can flourish through a thoughtful integration of modern elements, as long as its foundational values are preserved.
Recently, Parul's contributions to the art community were formally acknowledged by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mandi Chapter, which honored her for her artistic endeavors. During the recognition ceremony, her paintings garnered significant interest, including from the chief guest, who spent considerable time engaging with her work.
In another significant milestone, Parul conducted a Mandi Kalam workshop under the auspices of INTACH, aimed at raising awareness among students and art enthusiasts about this traditional heritage art. The initiative was well-received and is viewed as a meaningful step toward connecting the younger generation with their local cultural roots.
Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Parul acknowledged the support of INTACH members for their encouragement in her efforts to revive and promote Mandi Kalam. She also credits her family, particularly her husband, for being a steadfast source of strength and motivation, enabling her to pursue this challenging yet rewarding path with dedication.
Parul firmly believes that her efforts will bear fruit. She is confident that one day Mandi Kalam will receive the global recognition it truly deserves. 'This art form is a living cultural treasure, and it deserves to shine far beyond the hills it originated from,' she asserts.