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Journalism of Courage
India boasts a rich tradition of mural painting, an ancient art form linked to historical cave art that highlights the evolution of Indian artistry. While some murals are well-known, many hidden treasures remain scattered across the nation, awaiting discovery. The term “mural” comes from the Latin word ‘murus,’ meaning wall, and refers to artwork painted directly onto large, permanent surfaces. These creations transform blank walls into powerful canvases for storytelling and social commentary.
In an interview with indianexpress.com, Sneha Chakraborty shared insights into her mural art tour across India, an initiative by the Mind & Matter Charitable Trust to spark conversations about mental well-being. Her spectacular work blends striking visuals and profound messages, and showcases how art can revitalise public spaces and engage the community.
Chakraborty, who spent her early years in Gujarat, revealed she was passionate about drawing and painting since childhood. As a child, she pursued mehendi art by assisting a local artist, learning the craft, and earning her first pay. “I’ve always been an artist. Everyone has an artist within them, but I held onto my creative side because I enjoyed it. I loved dancing to Madhuri Dixit’s songs, watching films, and more,” she said.
“I always enjoyed sketching and later developed a passion for painting. Creativity has been a constant in my life, fueled by my experiences of moving frequently due to my father’s job as a mining engineer. Embracing the culture, food, language, and way of life in each new home—we moved eight times—has deeply influenced my art.”
Nature is her favourite canvas, with frequent moves every two to four years bringing new landscapes and inspirations to her art. “During class 12, I was in Assam with hills, then Jammu and Kashmir covered in snow. Nature played a huge role in my life, inspiring nature-soaked characters from different states,” she said.
She recalls a visit to Rann of Kutch, surrounded by sand, camels, and cacti, as an early inspiration. Frequent relocations exposed her to changing dialects and diverse people, fostering easy connections and deepening her fascination with human behaviour, which influences her art.
As an artist, she strives to make a difference, drawing inspiration from people and words she encounters. When asked about her guiding quotes, her heartwarming answer reflected her passion for this collaboration and her everyday art.
“Honestly, it changes everyday. I wake up with a new aura and new energy which guides me. It is the guiding people for me – my family; my dad, my mom and my brother. I call them ‘a car with four wheels,’ since we balance each other out. They are my spine, my guiding souls,” she reflects.
Chakraborty loves her country’s art, culture, and heritage, and she sees her nationwide art tour as a way to give back. Partnering with the Mind & Matter Charitable Trust, which promotes mental health and wellness, especially for underprivileged children, Sneha highlights the connection between art and mental well-being.
“Art, beauty, and culture are closely tied to mental well-being. Through Sneha Chakraborty’s art, the organisation spotlighted this connection in Madikeri, Coorg,” shared Deepika Appaiah, the NGO’s founder.
“My first stop was Coorg, where the wall mural pays tribute to NGOs like Mind & Matter. Deepika’s dedication to raising awareness inspired me to share these stories through my social media platforms,” said Chakraborty.
Mind & Matter has been running mental health awareness campaigns since December 2021, organising the “Paint a Wall” campaign to promote mental health and holding sessions with artists and celebrities. In August 2022, they conducted workshops in 16 schools and colleges in Kodagu, and in November 2024, they held similar workshops in 10 schools and colleges in Mysore and Kodagu, collaborating with the Department of Psychiatric Social Work at NIMHANS, Bengaluru.
When Sneha set out with her colours and brushes, this emerged to be her largest canvas.
The ‘Travel and Paint: India Tour’ is a collaboration with NGOs and local businesses, aimed at creating art for the community, their streets and them,” says Chakraborty. “I feel like I was born to interact with humans. I’m not an introvert at all; I thrive on connecting with people,” she expresses.
While painting under the sun, amid the bustling streets, Sneha often feels exhausted. Yet, a passerby’s curious glance at her mural reignites her determination. These electrifying moments of shared creativity and connection are her truest inspiration.
“The buzz of the street and interactions with passersby fuel me,” Sneha shared. “But what truly lights up my day are the kids. Seeing their hopeful faces reminds me that there are paths beyond the usual career choices. I hope to be a symbol for them, showing that one can make a difference and raise awareness through art. We always have choices, and it’s important to embrace them when the time is right.”
We asked Chakraborty about her insights from her tour in India. She shared, “One big lesson I’ve learned is not to judge places based on hearsay. For instance, painting 12 walls in Haryana was incredible. The people were friendly and welcoming, especially in Narnol. There, I met a woman who owned a small business and employed other women, empowering them to be financially independent. I wouldn’t have known this if I hadn’t visited.”
She added, “When you visit somewhere without preconceived notions, you become a canvas for stories. It’s intriguing.”
Art holds a power beyond measure. It has the ability to shape societies, to challenge norms, and to provoke thought. Every stroke of the brush, every line of verse, asks us to ponder the whys and why nots of existence. For Sneha, art is more than just paint on a canvas or words on a page; it is the very essence of forward momentum. It encompasses not only the traditional forms of expression like painting and drawing but also poetry and the intricate workings of the mind as it navigates the everyday rhythms of life.
She doesn’t stick to a specific artistic style. She thinks outside the box, ensuring each artwork is distinct. If one piece is colourful, the next might be darker and monochrome.
Unbound by artistic conventions, Chakraborty’s creative journey is shaped by her rich experiences. Every interaction and sight influences her work, reflecting her essence and environment. Her aim is limitless expression, refusing to confine herself to a singular style. Although some claim to discern a unique style in her diverse creations, she doesn’t readily embrace this notion.
Her inspiration flows from the intricate dance between humanity and nature. At times, her demeanor exudes a deliberate pseudo-positivity, infusing narratives with depth and avoiding the mundane. Her art reflects not only the world around her but also the introspective depths she explores.
Journeying from bustling cities to quaint towns, and from charming villages to tiny hamlets, she partners with NGOs and local businesses to weave a rich mosaic of stories across the streets of India.
Chakraborty shared a fun idea: “What if Da Vinci and Picasso were alive today and had access to all these technologies? They would be using this tech left and right to explore, because the world is more accepting now. They would use social media to stand up for themselves and encourage others to do the same.”
She further expressed, “They would embrace the technology, no doubt. Tech is today’s key element, and they would be having a great time using it to its fullest potential. They would excel at it.”
Whatever is required of her, however she’s meant to present herself to the world, she’s ready. Armed with her colours, paints, brushes, and a treasure trove of creative ideas, she embraces every role with the vibrant spirit of an artist.
