WORLD PEACE PUBLIC ART PROJECT: A CANVAS OF PEACE AND HOPE

Posted on 5 June 2025:

World Peace Public Art Project: A Canvas of Peace and Hope

Amid a world troubled by wars and unrest, internationally acclaimed artist Prof. Suresh K. Nair unveils the World Peace Public Art Project, a visionary initiative that echoes the timeless Vedic mantra, “Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu”—May all beings be happy and at peace.

This global collaborative project stands as a testament to the unifying power of art, transcending borders to rekindle the essence of shared humanity.

Prof. Suresh K. Nair, deeply rooted in the cultural landscapes of Varanasi and the artistic heritage of Vellinezhi, Kerala, brings forth a profound message—art is the bridge that connects souls, fostering peace and understanding. Through his evocative miniature paintings, each stroke becomes a silent yet powerful act of resistance against wars, division and extremism, reviving the eternal wisdom of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—The world is one family.

His murals breathe life into the ideals of inclusiveness and solidarity, reminding us that creativity holds the power to heal, unite and inspire generations to embrace a future of harmony.

With this project, Prof. Nair reaffirms that in the language of art, there are no barriers—only colors of peace, voices of hope and visions of a world bound by love.

Whispers of Peace: A Global Canvas of Harmony

Renowned artist Prof. Suresh K. Nair, Faculty of Visual Arts, Banaras Hindu University, envisions a profound artistic movement—The International Village Public Art Project—where miniature paintings transcend their small scale to become symbols of peace and unity. With delicate strokes of line, color, texture, shades, shapes and calligraphy, each piece breathes life into the sacred Vedic mantra “Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu”—May all beings, in all worlds, be happy.

Crafted on handmade cards no larger than a visiting card, these paintings represent gestures from Buddhist traditions, classical Indian dance, shadow puppetry (Pavakkoothu), and yogic postures, weaving together a narrative of cultural heritage and shared harmony.

As these artworks travel across villages in India and beyond, each settlement becomes a node in a vast network of peace, carrying the echoes of tradition while fostering a vision of healing and inclusiveness.

By inscribing this timeless mantra on the reverse of each painting, Prof. Nair reaffirms art as a universal language—one that defies borders and unites hearts in the shared pursuit of compassion, wisdom and collective joy.

Miniature Paintings: A Journey of Peace Across Borders

More than mere artistic expressions, these miniature paintings are ‘spiritual seeds of hope’, carefully placed into the hearts of villagers across India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Each recipient does not simply receive a painting—they become part of a global movement, one that speaks in the language of art, compassion, love and coexistence.

“These artworks are not just distributed; they are gifted as tokens of love and humanity, creating bonds that transcend language, faith, geography and ideology,” says Prof. Suresh K. Nair who firmly believes in the power of sustainable peace and human relationships, in times of crisis and conflict, weaving his vision into ‘The International Village Public Art Project’.

His initiative spans seven significant locations, spreading thousands of miniature paintings—each carrying the sacred Vedic mantra, “Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu”—May all beings, in all worlds, be happy.

From Vellinezhi in Kerala to Santiniketan in West Bengal, from Auroville in Tamil Nadu to Kushtia in Bangladesh, and Kumbhadaara Village, Nepal; Varanasi and Cholamandalam Art Village in India; and beyond, each village becomes a node in an expanding network of harmony—a testament to the enduring power of art as a force for unity and healing.

Art as a Bridge: Prof. Nair’s Commitment to Peace and Inclusivity

Prof. Suresh K. Nair has dedicated his artistic journey to fostering diversity, inclusiveness, and global solidarity. His transformative Wall of Peace outreach programs—spanning locations like Government High School Cherppulasseri, Kerala; Harnnamadi Village, Nepal; Hyderabad Literary Festival; and Delhi Public School, Varanasi—bring awareness to the vital role of art in shaping a more peaceful world.

A master muralist, Prof. Nair honed his craft at the Institute of Mural Painting, Guruvayur, Kerala, and Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan, blending tradition with contemporary expressions. His creative excellence has earned him prestigious honors, including the Elizabeth Green Shield Foundation Scholarship (Canada), the Fulbright Fellowship (USA) and the Lalithakala Akademi Award (Kerala).

Today, as a Professor at Banaras Hindu University’s Faculty of Visual Arts, Prof. Nair continues to inspire a new generation of artists, proving that creativity is a profound force—one that transcends borders, unites communities and nurtures the enduring spirit of peace.