As part of the ongoing First Exposition of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russian Federation, a special art exhibition was organized featuring the works of eminent Indian artist, Padma Shri Shri Vasudeo Kamath. 

The exhibition, curated specially for this historic cultural exchange, presented a remarkable visual journey through the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, blending spirituality, artistic mastery, and philosophical reflection.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, in the presence of dignitaries including Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and representatives from the Government of the Republic of Kalmykia.

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The exposition of the Sacred Relics of the Buddha, organized by the National Museum, New Delhi, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the National Museum of the Kalmyk Republic, aims to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between India and Russia, rooted in their shared Buddhist heritage.

The exhibition titled “Depicting the Life of the Buddha: From Renunciation to Enlightenment” featured 28 paintings created by Shri Kamath over a period of more than a year. Each work of art narrates a key episode from the Buddha’s journey, rendered with deep spiritual insight and masterly technique.

The series included depictions of Dipankara Buddha’s renunciation of Sumedha, Prince Siddhartha’s departure from the palace, the defeat of Mara, the attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, the first sermon at Sarnath (Dharmachakra Pravartana), the donation of Jetavana monastery, Rahula seeking inheritance, Angulimala’s surrender, the subjugation of the elephant Nalagiri, and the renunciation of Sariputta’s mother, among others.

Each painting exemplified Shri Kamath’s hallmark precision, subtle use of color, and ability to translate profound spiritual moments into visual form. His works displayed the fusion of classical Indian aesthetics with universal human emotion, capturing both the divinity and humanity of the Buddha’s life.

The exhibition attracted large audiences, including monks, scholars, students, art critics, and members of the public from across Kalmykia. Visitors praised the spiritual depth and technical brilliance of Shri Kamath’s creations, noting that the series provided both an artistic and meditative experience.

Profile of the Artist-

Shri Vasudeo (Vasudev) Kamath, born in Karakal, Karnataka, in 1956, is one of India’s foremost painters, celebrated for his portraiture, landscapes, and conceptual art. After receiving his G.D. Art in Painting from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, in 1977 with First Class First and Gold Medal, he embarked on an illustrious artistic journey spanning over four decades.

Shri Kamath has held numerous solo exhibitions and has participated in several national and international art society shows, earning recognition for his versatility and creative range. His notable awards include the Gold Medal at the Annual Art Exhibition, Bombay Art Society Gold Medal, The Draper Grand Prize by the Portrait Society of America, and awards at the Salon International and San Diego Watercolor Society.

Renowned for his mastery across mediums—including oils, acrylics, and watercolors—Shri Kamath’s art is characterized by a seamless blend of realism and conceptual imagination. Beyond landscapes and portraits, his conceptual paintings explore the inner visions of human consciousness, reflecting both the innocence of a child and the insight of a philosopher. His works are often seen as expressions of the deep-rooted subconscious of humanity, capturing timeless values of compassion, renunciation, and spiritual awakening.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of art, Shri Vasudeo Kamath was conferred the Padma Shri Award by the Government of India in 2025.

In a moving gesture of cultural friendship and spiritual solidarity, Shri Kamath donated all 28 paintings displayed at the exhibition to the National Museum of Elista, Kalmyk Republic. Expressing his affection for the people and Buddhist community of Russia, he said that the paintings were “a humble offering of art from India to the land where the Dharma continues to live in people’s hearts.”

The Director of the National Museum of Elista, on behalf of the Kalmyk Republic, presented Shri Kamath with a Letter of Appreciation and a commemorative gift as a mark of gratitude. The Director lauded the artist’s generosity, describing the donation as “a gesture that will be remembered as a symbol of Indo-Russian cultural harmony and shared Buddhist heritage.”

The exhibition was widely appreciated by the art community, Buddhist monks, and cultural scholars of Kalmykia. Visitors remarked that Shri Kamath’s work not only brought to life the historical and spiritual journey of the Buddha but also served as a bridge connecting Indian artistic traditions with Russian cultural appreciation of Buddhist values.

The event underscored the shared spiritual heritage between India and Russia, reaffirming Buddhism’s enduring role as a bond of peace, compassion, and knowledge between civilizations. The Ministry of Culture noted that such cultural exchanges contribute significantly to strengthening the civilizational dialogue envisioned under India’s Cultural Outreach initiatives.

Through this exhibition, Shri Vasudeo Kamath’s art became a living testament to India’s vibrant artistic and spiritual traditions. His paintings, now part of the National Museum of Elista’s permanent collection, will continue to inspire generations of art lovers and spiritual seekers across Russia and beyond.

By Sunil Kumar Tiwari