Craftsman Devi Prasad Rai, whose 'Vijay Ki Victory' and 'Shaheed Memorial' are proof of the golden history of Indian art

New -Delhi, June 14 (IANS). “Devi Prasad Rai”…. Although the generation of today is not aware of this name, he was a glowing star in the Indian art world, which gave a new height to modern Indian art through his extraordinary painting and sculpture. This great artist, who received the Padma Bhushan, brought the social realism (social reality) alive, not only through bronze idols such as ‘Vijay Ki Victory’ and ‘Shaheed Memorial’, but also made Indian culture, nature and human emotions brilliant in his paintings. The art of ‘Devi Prasad Rai’ shows the tradition of the Bengal School, Western influence and incredible coordination of social consciousness. Dhani Devi Prasad Rai, rich in versatility, also left an indelible mark as the founder president, musician, junk and teacher of the Lalit Kala Academy. His works still testify to the golden history of Indian art. Devi Prasad Rai was born on June 15, 1899, in a landlord family in Tajhhat (now Bangladesh) in the Rangpur district of undivided India. His interest in art since childhood has inspired him to move forward in the field. Rai’s father identified his talent and encouraged him to learn art under the guidance of the famous painter Abnindranath Tagore. He received his early art training at the Bengal School of Arts. Tagore’s Bengal style impressed his painting. However, he later studied sculpture in Hiranyamay Chaudhary’s studio and then went to Italy for further education, where his art affected the Western style, especially French sculptor Augustay Rodin. Devi Prasad Rai Chaudhary is best known for her monumental bronze sculptures. His two most famous works are ‘Vijay Ki Vijay’ and ‘Shaheed Memorial’. The ‘Vijay’ goddamn installed on the beach in Chennai in 1959 reflects the hard work and power of the workers. This idol portrays the attempt to remove a large rock by four persons. The ‘Shaheed Memorial’ installed outside the Patna Secretariat shows the reminder of seven youths who were tortured during the 1942 Silence India movement. This idol symbolizes the sacrifice and enthusiasm of the freedom struggle. His other notable sculptures include the ‘Dandi March statue’ in Delhi, which reminds us of the freedom struggle of the country led by Mahatma Gandhi. In addition, he also made statues of celebrities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, Sir Siringra Nath Banerjee. His idols show a deep portrayal of social realism and human emotions, reflecting the influence of Western sculptors such as Rodin. Rich Devi Prasad Rai Chaudhary of sculpture was also a capable painter. His paintings show the coordination of the Bengal style as well as the Western influences. He worked in water color, oil color, pastel and tempra. His famous photos include ‘Sharad Pratima’, ‘Jeevan Sandhya’, ‘Musafir’ and Rabindranath Tagore. Her paintings appear prominently like Mountain Women Beauty, Fishers’ life and social realism. Devi Prasad Rai Chaudhary was skilled in art as well as other areas. He was also interested in flute play, hunting, wrestling and literature writing. His art of literary creations and music enriched his art. Rich Devi Prasad Rai Chaudhary, rich in versatility, was received the Padma Bhushan (1958) for her contribution. He was one of the selected artists who received the Lalit Kala Academy Fellowship (1962). Devi Prasad Rai Chaudhary died on October 15, 1975 in Kolkata at the age of 76. His works and contributions are still immortal in the history of Indian art. -Ians fm/ecd