Mumbai: In celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day, and marking a decade-long partnership between Asian Paints and St+art India Foundation, they unveil one of their most unique projects, ‘Dawn of Valour’. This project pays homage to the Indian Defence Forces stationed at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh by creating multiple interventions that celebrate them. ‘Dawn of Valour’ is the first project under their newly launched initiative, ‘Asian Paints St+art Frontier.’ This initiative features art interventions devoted to honouring the bravery and dedication of the Indian Defence Forces. Over the last 10 years, Asian Paints and St+Art India have brought to life over 450 murals covering nearly 30 cities, thereby making “Art Accessible For All”.
The ‘Dawn of Valour’ mural, part of Asian Paints’ Independence Day campaign, stands as a powerful tribute to the Indian armed forces in Tawang, located on the Indo-Sino border. The artwork by Reshidev R K, created on the Army Helipad Wall, encapsulates the soldiers’ commitment to protecting the land amidst the harsh Himalayan terrain & extreme weather conditions. It depicts the glorious feats of the Indian Army while also capturing the rich culture of Tawang. It paints a picture of the stories that make up the fabric of this rugged, yet calm region.
At its heart, the mural portrays “The Heroes of Tawang”: Subedar Joginder Singh, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, and Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing, whose heroic acts during historic conflicts inspire both the military and the local community. The artwork also celebrates the crucial role of women in the armed forces, portraying them in various roles and highlighting their valuable contributions. The mural also integrates spiritual icons, reflecting the depth of Tawang’s cultural heritage. Traditional motifs and symbols such as dragons, elements like yaks that inhabit the frontier region; these artworks look to further highlight the region’s cultural legacy and strategic significance.
The strategic location of the mural at the Helipad, close to the Tawang War Memorial, ensures that every visitor can experience the true essence of Tawang on a grand scale. This mural is not just a visual spectacle but a touching narrative of valour, culture, and the enduring spirit of the Indian Defence Forces, resonating with pride and emotion for all who witness it.
The mural highlights the harmonious co-existence of the Army and locals in Tawang. Every aspect of the army’s tenacity in this challenging terrain is celebrated in the artwork brought to life by Asian Paints’ Apex Ultima Protek – an exterior paint that stands strong through harsh conditions. This very spirit is celebrated through this intervention.
In addition to the mural, is a community project at the OR (Other Ranks) Mess for the troops stationed at Tawang. The project aims to create an environment that evokes a sense of home & pride, featuring wall artwork that reflects the rich heritage and traditions of Maharashtra & the valour of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Inside, the artwork celebrates iconic elements such as Dhol Drums, Diyas, Tutari, and Rajmudra, and portrays cultural festivities like Pola Festival and Fugdi, creating a vibrant and comforting space for the soldiers.
Amit Syngle, MD, CEO Asian Paints expressed, “Our purpose at Asian Paints is to bring joy to people’s lives. We exist to beautify, preserve, transform all spaces & objects, bringing happiness to the world. Our collaboration with the St+art team has enabled us to create inspiring art landmarks across the nation. ‘Dawn of Valour,’ our first project dedicated to the Indian defence forces under Asian Paints St+art Frontier, marks a significant milestone in the 10th year of our association. Art has a universal appeal and together we are extending the canvas to create a larger impact.
“Through this mural and artworks, we honour our soldiers stationed at Tawang, their invaluable contributions to national security and their sacrifice of staying away from their homes. We are also delighted to unveil this project just in time for India’s 78th Independence Day. We extend our deepest gratitude to our soldiers, whose courage inspires us and their dedication helps us create a sense of unity and belonging.”
Hanif Khureshi, co-founder, creative director, St+art India, said, “Through the Asian Paints * St+art Frontier initiative, our goal is to bring together the rich cultural narratives of regions like Tawang with the lived experiences of our defence personnel. In this project, we aimed to curate a visual story that not only honours the bravery of the soldiers but also integrates the unique spiritual and cultural heritage of Tawang. This mural is a testament to the power of art to transcend conventional storytelling, offering a layered narrative that speaks to resilience, duty, and cultural identity. Moving forward, we intend to continue exploring such intersections, using art to highlight the harmony between military service and civilian life. Each project under the Asian Paints * St+art Frontier banner will strive to bring to the forefront the shared histories and values that connect us, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among diverse communities across India.”
Brigadier Vipul Rajput, Commander, 190 Mountain Brigade, noted, “The mural in Tawang is a recognition of the Indian Army’s diverse personnel who hail from various parts of our country. Each soldier brings a piece of their unique cultural heritage, creating a vibrant mosaic within the local context of Tawang. This project illustrates the synergy between our soldiers and the local community, showcasing how they integrate and contribute to the region’s rich cultural fabric. With this vision, St+art India along with Asian Paints have brought this project to life by blending art with local traditions and military narratives. This initiative honours our soldiers and enriches the cultural landscape, demonstrating the power of art to unify and celebrate the unique bond between the Indian Army and the communities they serve.”
Watch Asian Paints’ Independence Day initiative in collaboration with St+art India in this video:
