“Aura. Where Color Meets the Soul.” An exhibition curated by artist Sadhna Sangar at the IRMT
From 15 to 20 June, the International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar hosted an exhibition of paintings and decorative arts curated by renowned Chandigarh-based artist Sadhna Sangar. Joining her were fellow artists and long-time colleagues Bharti Sharma (Chandigarh), Sandhya Rai (Ludhiana), Baljit Singh (Rohtak), and Satwant Sumail (Mohali) — accomplished painters whose work has received national and international recognition. Alongside the paintings, the exhibition featured traditional decorative and applied art, thoughtfully combined with contemporary artistic expression.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Larisa Surgina, the Russian Curator of the International Roerich Memorial Trust, representing the International Centre of the Roerichs (Moscow). The exhibition presented around 35 paintings, showcasing a rich diversity of artistic styles and demonstrating the high standard of contemporary Indian art. The central theme of the exhibition was the breathtaking beauty of Himachal Pradesh and the Himalayas, captured through vibrant colour and expressive landscapes.
For more than twenty years, Sadhna Sangar has been organizing exhibitions at the International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar. Having begun painting in childhood, she has devoted her entire life to art. Her works are distinguished by a refined sense of colour, rich texture, and harmonious composition. Through her paintings, she conveys a profound connection between humanity and nature, inviting the viewer into a world of inner peace, contemplation, and quiet reflection.
Yet her contribution extends far beyond her own artistic practice. A significant part of her life has been dedicated to education, having served as Principal of the Government College of Education, Chandigarh. Throughout her professional career, she has inspired generations of young people to pursue creativity, appreciate beauty, and recognize the enduring value of culture.
Perhaps her greatest mission has been the empowerment of Indian women artists. As the founder and president of WE – A Group of Indian Contemporary Women Artists (Chandigarh), Sadhna Sangar has spent many years mentoring emerging women artists, supporting their education, nurturing their creative potential, and helping them establish their place in the art world.
One of her most influential initiatives is ARTAURA, the All India Annual Women Artists Exhibition. In 2026, the project celebrated its 24th edition, once again bringing together talented women artists from across the country. Over the years, ARTAURA has become an important national platform for promoting women's artistic achievements, encouraging creative dialogue, and providing opportunities for artists to present their work to wider audiences.
In recent years, Sadhna Sangar has been coming to Naggar not only to organize exhibitions and participate in cultural events, but also to conduct yoga and meditation sessions. These spiritual practices naturally resonate in her artistic vision, filling her paintings with harmony, light, and serenity. For Sadhna Sangar, art is far more than a means of self-expression — it is a path of service, a way of uplifting others, and a means of awakening the creative spirit within every individual.
The great Russian artist and philosopher Nicholas Roerich called upon humanity to "think and act through Beauty." These words beautifully reflect the life and work of Sadhna Sangar and her fellow artists, who help people discover beauty not only in works of art, but also within themselves.
