Asian Paints and St+art India Foundation have launched ‘Dawn of Valour,’ marking a decade-long partnership between the two organisations. Over the past ten years, they have reportedly created over 450 murals across nearly 30 cities, aiming to make art accessible to the public.
‘Dawn of Valour’ is reportedly the first project under the new ‘Asian Paints St+art Frontier’ initiative, which is dedicated to honouring the Indian Defence Forces. The mural, created by Reshidev R K on the Army Helipad Wall in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, reportedly pays tribute to the soldiers stationed there. The artwork is said to depict the soldiers’ commitment and the challenges they face in the Himalayan terrain while reflecting the local culture.
From what it is understood, the mural features notable figures such as Subedar Joginder Singh, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, and Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing, recognising their contributions during historic conflicts. It is also said to highlight the role of women in the armed forces and integrate elements of Tawang’s cultural heritage, including traditional motifs and spiritual icons.
Located near the Tawang War Memorial, the mural aims to offer visitors an insight into the region’s significance. The project uses Asian Paints’ Apex Ultima Protek, designed to withstand harsh conditions, in line with the mural’s theme of resilience.
“Our purpose at Asian Paints is to bring joy to people’s lives. We exist to beautify, preserve, transform all spaces & objects, bringing happiness to the world. Our collaboration with the St+art team has enabled us to create inspiring art landmarks across the nation. ‘Dawn of Valour,’ our first project dedicated to the Indian defence forces under Asian Paints St+art Frontier, marks a significant milestone in the 10th year of our association. Art has a universal appeal & together we are extending the canvas to create a larger impact. Through this mural and artworks, we honour our soldiers stationed at Tawang, their invaluable contributions to national security and their sacrifice of staying away from their homes. We are also delighted to unveil this project just in time for India’s 78th Independence Day. We extend our deepest gratitude to our soldiers, whose courage inspires us and their dedication helps us create a sense of unity and belonging.”Amit Syngle, Managing Director & CEO of Asian Paints, said.
Additionally, a community project at the OR (Other Ranks) Mess reportedly features wall artwork reflecting Maharashtra’s heritage and the legacy of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The artwork includes representations of cultural symbols such as Dhol Drums and Diwali Diyas, aimed at providing a comforting environment for the troops stationed in Tawang.
“The mural in Tawang is a recognition of the Indian Army’s diverse personnel who hail from various parts of our country. Each soldier brings a piece of their unique cultural heritage, creating a vibrant mosaic within the local context of Tawang. This project illustrates the synergy between our soldiers and the local community, showcasing how they integrate and contribute to the region’s rich cultural fabric. With this vision, St+art India along with Asian Paints have brought this project to life by blending art with local traditions and military narratives. This initiative honours our soldiers and enriches the cultural landscape, demonstrating the power of art to unify and celebrate the unique bond between the Indian Army and the communities they serve,” Brigadier Vipul Rajput, Commander, 190 Mountain Brigade, said.