Capturing Gandhi’s messages, philosophy

Gandhi ji believed in the dignity of man that emerged from a deep feeling of spirituality.

The photographs and text elucidates Gandhi’s economic ideas which are relevant to globalisation in the 21st century.

It’s an exhibition that pays a glowing tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, his philosophy, teachings and life, through a series of photographs of life and people around us. Titled ‘Vaishnav Elements and Gandhi Darshan, in the Present Context’, it has been conceptualised by Asha Arpit and is on display at the Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies, Panjab University, till October 4. “The topic of my PhD in Hindi was ‘Vaishnav Bhakti Aur Kirtan’ and the exhibition is an extension of my studies and research of many years. I wanted it to be exhibited on the occasion of Gandhi ji’s birth anniversary,’’ explains Arpit, a journalist, writer and photographer. The inspiration of the exhibition is of course, Gandhi’s teachings.

“Gandhi ji believed in the dignity of man that emerged from a deep feeling of spirituality. He refined, adapted and implemented the philosophy of non-violence,’’ he adds.

Arpit has taken photographs in various cities and in different contexts, relating each image with the message of Gandhi through detailed texts . The 30 photographs in different settings -women working in villages, people performing religious rites, different emotions of people in Rishikesh, the simplicity of nature, the power of prayer, the innocence of children -provide deep insight into the great ideas and wisdom of the Father of the Nation. The photographs and texts further elucidate Gandhi’s economic ideas which are relevant to globalisation in the 21st century.

It is but an ode to the vision to make Indian villages prosperous and progressive, the need to give women equal status in society, the power of love, truth, empathy and non-violence which leads to non-conflict zones, and ways to make agriculture, village economy, farmers’ lives and rural areas prosperous through global trends of trade.

“Photography is a medium to convey my thoughts and beliefs, and this exhibition is a part of my coffee table book on the subject, which will be released soon,’’ explains Arpit, who is now working on an exhibition on the varied colours
of nature.

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More

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