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By:

Minal Sancheti

2 May 2026 at 12:26:53 pm

Freedom of expression over says artist Jain Kamal

Mumbai: Veteran artist Jain Kamal believes that his fraternity lacks freedom of speech in today’s time. While speaking to ‘The Perfect Voice’, he said, “Freedom for the artists no longer exists. Now, we are living in the times of dictatorship. If we don’t have freedom of expression, then it will be very difficult for the artists to survive. There should be purity in the expression of the artists, saints, scientists, and thinkers so that there is more positivity in society.” Jain is going to...

Freedom of expression over says artist Jain Kamal

Mumbai: Veteran artist Jain Kamal believes that his fraternity lacks freedom of speech in today’s time. While speaking to ‘The Perfect Voice’, he said, “Freedom for the artists no longer exists. Now, we are living in the times of dictatorship. If we don’t have freedom of expression, then it will be very difficult for the artists to survive. There should be purity in the expression of the artists, saints, scientists, and thinkers so that there is more positivity in society.” Jain is going to exhibit his 50 years of work at the Jehangir Art Gallery from May 26 to June 1. The exhibition, ‘Retrospective’, will be inaugurated by Dattatreya Hosabale, General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The paintings are a translation of the Jain religious chanting of the Navkar Mantra. Jain said, “I have been working on these paintings for the past 50 years and have put in a great effort to convey to the world the message of peace and harmony using the Jainism chanting. Like a mother makes delicious food for her child, I have used words to create beautiful art for the people.” When asked what inspired him, he said, “I wanted to do something with words. So I thought why not use Gayatri mantra or Hanuman Chalisa but then I chose Navkar mantra which is a Jain mantra. I used the five lines of the mantras in my paintings. In the exhibition, you will get to see a ‘Picchi’ (a broom used as a symbol of non-violence and which the Jain monks use to brush away any small insect that comes in their way.)” Jain added, “Half of the threads attached to the Picchi are in Brahmi, and half of the Picchi are in Devanagari. I have combined the time of Jain God Rishabdev with today’s generation by using both languages. I have also painted ants dancing to show nonviolence preached by the religion.” The words are formed like a chain in concentric circles in one of the key paintings. Some paintings consist of lakhs of words depicting the Jain mantras. “In these paintings, you can find the entire world through the written mantras. They convey that everything is made by God and there lies nothing in the material world. We should not be proud of our possessions, as everything in the world belongs to Khuda. So be peaceful and spread peace.” He added, “I did not talk about religion, but the philosophy of peace that I want to spread to everyone. I planted the seed of a mantra and thoughts into my artwork, which is why it is unique and different.”

BJP Boost

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

As the dust settles over the recent Assembly elections, the BJP, defying anti-incumbency prediction of political Cassandras and exit polls, is set for a historic third term in Haryana. This will buoy the party after its underwhelming performance in the Lok Sabha polls. The Haryana outcome not only reinforces the BJP’s foothold in national politics but also presents a counter-narrative to the INDIA bloc’s post-election fervour.

Despite the bogey stoked by lingering farmer protests and discontent surrounding the controversial Agniveer scheme, the BJP strategically diversified its approach, relying not solely on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s star power—evidenced by his reduced number of rallies—but also on a ground-level consolidation of anti-Jat votes. The Congress’s over-reliance on the Jat community backfired, rallying other groups against it. Interestingly, the Dalit vote, which the Congress anticipated would tilt in its favour, has not completely abandoned the BJP.


At the forefront of the BJP's campaign was Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, whose relatively short tenure allowed him to distance himself from the decade-long rule of the previous administration. By introducing measures to benefit the backward classes, including a significant income limit increase for OBC employment from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh, the BJP effectively shifted the narrative in its favour. Their mantra of ‘bina parchi, bina kharchi Naukri (promising jobs without bribes) resonated with voters.


The BJP’s rejuvenated team, led by key figures such as Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and state leaders, has seemingly addressed concerns that arose following its poor showing in the Lok Sabha elections. The incorporation of new candidates in place of established leaders provided a fresh face that contrasted sharply with the Congress’s decision to recycle incumbents.


In contrast, in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference, in alliance with the Congress, having crossed the majority threshold, reclaimed its historic dominance and is set to form the government. Here, the BJP’s performance in the first Assembly election held after the abrogation of Article 370, fell short despite its strenuous attempt to position itself as a proponent of development.


The electorate’s apparent rejection of hardline factions like the PDP reflects a nuanced response and win for democracy. Notably, the results have shown a significant rejection of separatist candidates, including those from Engineer Rashid-led Awami Ittehad Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, who failed to make a meaningful impact in the polls.


The BJP’s emphatic victory in Haryana redeems its Lok Sabha misstep but also signals a broader political resurgence, giving the party renewed vigour to march into future contests like the crucial Maharashtra Assembly election.

 
 
 

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