Four years ago, a simple meeting at the Cymroza Art Gallery sparked a lasting friendship. At the time, there was a dream to gift a portrait of the legendary Shri. Ratan Tata to the man himself made by one of Manmohan Jaiswal’s friends. Despite several attempts, that dream remained unfulfilled, and eventually, the great visionary passed away.

But where one door closed, another opened.

Inspired by the journey, the focus shifted toward creating new works, including collaborations that brought fresh perspectives to the canvas. This creative path wasn’t just about painting; it was about a larger mission: making art a part of everyday life in India. Some of my paintings also included Shumi Bose, a true inspiration, and my consicous motivation to make this happen.

Now, as art takes centre stage on national platforms like NDTV for the portrait artist of the year, the journey has come full circle. Gifting this painting to Shri. Manmohan Jaiswal, a mentor and the founder of Aakriti Art Foundation, marks a beautiful milestone. It turns a missed opportunity from the past into a celebration of the future—one where art is finally gaining the importance it deserves.

Manmohan Jaiswal at his 4th edition of the Art Festival by Aakriti Art Foundation, Mumbai.

Amruta Fadnavis, at the Great Indian Spin.

Dr. Huz on his birthday, at the Punjab Grill restaurant.

Shri Sura Das Prabhuji, at Kharghar Isckon

Smt. Bhagwati Mittal, at her residence.

Assistant to Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani and Darshan Hiranandani at the Powai Office.

Ar. Sanjeev Joshi, stalwart of art and architecture restoration.

Mr. Baqar Nasser the Great Indian Spin at Byculla.

Mr. Jaoquim D’Souza, at Secudearbad.

Shri. Shabbir Shakir, at Secunderabad.

Smt. Fehmi Kantawala, at Moshi, Pune.

Smt. Yasmin Shaikh assistant to Smt. Ritu Chabbria at Muluk Madhav Foundation, Pune.

Amil Saheb Moiz Bhai Dalal, on the occasion of Moharram. The tree is at Jordan and is 1500 years old.

Shumi Bose, a portrait on canson paper and poster colours.

Head Constable Shri Laxmikant Barde, MRA Marg Police Stn.

Art review by Moiz Mamoowala

Born in Jodhpur, He was schooled at St. Vincent’s High School, Pune. It was a moment of joy when Rajendraji shared his memories through his paintings of 4 cities, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Pune and Khajuraho.

A gold medalist at Youth Art Festival, an urban sketcher and a member of the Water Colour Association.

His friends from school accompanied and supported him for his solo show “Aquarelle Rendezvous”. Explaining his interest and knowledge about art and dedication towards artistic exploration and ideas. Having worked in business management and advertising, he has acquired specialised skills and developed a talent to showcase artistic sun and shade, life-like urban sketching, and watercolour paintings through his travel diaries.

An Audio of the Opening Dialogue. By Mr and Mrs Martyrs

A special moment, Shri Rajendra Mehta’s friends Mr Allen and Mrs Fiona Martyr’s, share a moment of the lighting of the samai and then opening the show for viewing, purchase, while having a sip of tea and coffee. Urban Sketchers were a support system and special thanks to Shridhar Susumal who has been instrumental and key person in making this art show a grand success.

Pune Sketchbook Festival took place at the German Goethe Institute, Pune. The inaugural ceremony has a very interesting way to cut ribbons of neighbouring stall, passing a message to love their neighbour after which the festival began. USK Akash Rode started with a presentation about the festival, events each day.

Urban Sketchers have a weekly meet on Sunday at 8:00 am for sketching various places in the city. These sketches have now become a souvenir as they take shape into merchandise such as mugs, postcards, calendars, coasters, bags, stamp-size stickers, bookmarks, T-shirts, quilts, caps, canvas paintings, and lamps. Urban Sketchers has a monthly magazine that shares a few thoughts on one sketch and a few techniques on how to sketch. Sketchbooks, colour palettes, and stalls to buy artist essentials like brushes, sketchbooks, colours, etc.

Akash Rode was the ideator of the sketch hunt and had written the clues. The clues were fascinating and really nice to sketch these places. He is one of the main pillars of the organising team, and his contribution to the Sketchbook Festival was immense, earning him a big round of applause from all.

With an exciting note, a few pictures of all the volunteers that had been supportive towards making the festival a success.

To be continued… until the next festival.