24.09.2026
"Manifestation of Divine": Exhibition of Paintings by Satwant Sumail at the Roerich Estate
The exhibition "Manifestation of the Divine," which opened at the International Roerich Memorial Trust (IRMT) on September 24, marks the second solo exhibition of Satwant Singh Sumail (Mohali, Punjab) at the Trust. The chief guest of the grand opening ceremony was Dr. Om Mahendra — a surgeon and former Chief Medical Officer of the Kullu district, widely known for his high professionalism and unwavering willingness to help people. He solemnly cut the ribbon and lit the traditional lamp. The opening was also attended by Dr. Bhushan Chand Kapoor, former Chief Medical Officer of the district capital, as well as the Indian and Russian curators of the IRMT, Suresh Kumar and Larisa Surgina, the Trust's accountant Amarjeet Anand, and both Indian and foreign guests. The artist was also supported by his wife, poet Harjinder Kaur, and his daughter, Jas Kiran.
The artist presented more than sixty of his paintings in the exposition. To convey the wonderful impression that arises when experiencing the exhibition, we quote the words of Professor (Dr.) Saroj Rani, Art Historian, Art History, Aesthetics and Folk Studies:
“Have you ever listened to the orchestra of nature? It isn’t a typical ensemble of instruments but an organic sound that naturally awakens the soul. Nature offers divine nectar to nurture the roots of trees, which constantly communicate to celebrate the glory of the invisible Power. Dewdrops that settle on leaves create pearly illusions, echoing Beethoven’s melodies. <…> Sumail’s paintings are philosophical discourses, offering profound insights into the bond between humanity and nature. His landscapes are not mere physical scenes but sacred expressions of divinity. Rivers babble with gentle sounds; earth echoes with wind, water, earthquakes, and lightning. He bows to the trees when the first rays of sun and moon touch the leaves, as if these celestial bodies are messengers of love and light. The trees symbolize a pure atmosphere where Guru and disciple continually meet. The five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space – hold deep spiritual and practical significance. Through his art, the intricate relationship between humanity and nature is beautifully woven. Like Whitman’s ‘Leaves of Grass,’ they are as light as bird songs. Like Thoreau’s ‘Walden’, even the dried brown grass gleams divinely through Sumail’s eyes. His mention of meadows and streams is poetic beyond comparison. His trees are powerful, capable of uplifting the soul and filling it with ecstasy. His work heals and awakens consciousness.”
Satwant Sumail has been painting since childhood; he is an artist by profession and by vocation. Since 1997, he has participated in numerous Indian and international exhibitions both group and solo. He is the recipient of many prestigious awards, and his paintings are held in museums and private collections, as well as published as book illustrations.
Just recently, a large monograph dedicated to the artist was published, written by Professor Saroj Rani, whose words were quoted above. Satwant Sumail presented this beautiful book to the honored guests and donated a special copy to the library of the International Roerich Memorial Trust.
We would like to thank the artist for this wonderful exhibition and his inspiring paintings, and wish him many more successful exhibitions ahead, including at the memorial Roerich Estate. And let us recall that Nicholas Roerich, much like Satwant Sumail, believed that spirituality, creativity, and beauty stand above all else in the world.
