Shabad Guru Guru Shabad and a literal embodiment of it is Baani of Guru Nanak Dev ji, at a calligraphy

Mona

What better time than the occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji to recall, remember and revere his teachings. Selected 41 artworks by 22 calligraphy artists dot the walls of the gallery at Punjab Kala Bhawan-16. Right from Ek Onkar to entire Japji Sahib saar in all its 38 pauriyan (stanzas) are part of this collection.

Right before the exhibition, Paramveer Singh sat and wrote the entire Japji Sahib. He insists that it's a work by the paramtama, he a mere, mortal medium. Standing next to his creation, he shares, "Any calligraphy artist knows there would be errors and one needs to start all over again, not for this one. Had I made an error there was no way I could have finished within the time." Paramveer is one of the five prize winning artistes who got Rs 25,000, a brass plaque and a certificate. Total 62 calligraphy artists sent 155 artworks from various parts of the country, mostly from Punjab for this one.

Diwan Manna, President, Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi, says, "Our primary focus is to bring people back to Guru Nanak Dev ji's teachings."

While in the world of swiping and texting, written words may be losing its significance with the young generation, things are different in Punjab. "Calligraphy is taken seriously in Punjab, and Gurbani and its significance is one reason for it. Even in Buddhist tradition, written word retains its appeal among the youth."

Prerna Gupta is a Bachelor of Fine Arts student at the Government College of Art and one of the five prize winners, "I do Sukhmani Sahib jaap every single day and when I saw the opportunity for calligraphy, I couldn't let it go." Her two works have shabads from Japji Sahib and Suhila Sahib.

Hardeep Singh's Satnam Waheguru done on jute paper with black lamp ink and floral motifs in blue, pink, red and green, all in natural ink attract one and all and is one of the prize winners too. "Baani teaches us to have courage and patience. Calligraphy also teaches us that same patience," he avers.

Sanjay Kumar, a teacher in a government school, has done pen work on paper. "Gurbani teaches us to live with one another in harmony, one principle which is the urgent need of the times." For freelance artist Jagdeep Singh Guru Nanak Dev ji's teachings are eternal, "His words, philosophy as enshrined in the Baani is the only principle that we need to bring semblance of sanity in current times."

Gagandeep Singh and Simran Kaur are the other winners. The thoughtful display is on at the gallery of Punjab Kala Bhawan-16, till September 2.

mona@tribunemail.com