The Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana has initiated a public art project aimed at celebrating the city’s distinguished residents and their contributions to society. In observance of International Heritage Day, the civic body plans to adorn city walls with portraits of more than 50 prominent personalities, transforming public spaces into a canvas of local history and achievement.
Public Art Initiative to Revive City’s Legacy
Information was available with The Chenab Times that this initiative, spearheaded by Assistant Commissioner Jasdev Singh Sekhon, seeks to reconnect residents with the rich heritage of Ludhiana. The project has already commenced with the creation of murals featuring eminent figures at the underpass near Lodhi Club. Following a positive reception, the Municipal Corporation intends to extend the project to other key areas, including the underpass near the Verka Milk Plant.
Assistant Commissioner Jasdev Singh Sekhon explained that the core objective is to rekindle public awareness about Ludhiana’s significant contributions across various domains. “Heritage is not solely about historical monuments; it is also about the people who shape it. Ludhianavis have made substantial contributions to the freedom struggle, literature, music, defence, industry, and the arts. This initiative aims to bring their stories into the public consciousness through everyday spaces,” Sekhon stated.
Eminent Personalities to Adorn City Walls
The initial phase of the graffiti project showcases portraits of iconic individuals such as freedom fighters Kartar Singh Sarabha and Sukhdev Thapar, war hero Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, and literary giants Sahir Ludhianvi and Surjit Patar. The initiative also includes depictions of personalities from the cinema and music industries, including actors Dharmendra and Divya Dutta, and singers Kuldeep Manak and Gippy Grewal.
The forthcoming stages of the project will introduce a broader spectrum of personalities representing diverse fields. Notable additions will include agricultural economist Sardara Singh Johal, Army officers Dalip Singh, Bhupinder Singh, and Shivdev Singh Sidhu, and military leader Mohan Singh. Contributions in governance and public life will be recognised through figures like Kapoor Singh and M S Gill. The arts sector will be represented by actors Avtar Gill, Nirmal Rishi, and Pankaj Kapur.
A significant focus of the initiative is on Punjabi music and literature. The walls will soon feature portraits of lyricist Inderjit Hasanpuri, folk singers Mohammad Sadiq, Didar Sandhu, Yamla Jatt, and Narinder Biba. Contemporary stars such as Amar Singh Chamkila, Karan Aujla, and Rajvir Jawanda are also slated for inclusion. The literary richness of the region will be highlighted through poets and writers like Sukhwinder Amrit, Shamsher Sandhu, Sant Singh Sekhon, and Dev Threeke, while cultural promoter Jagdev Singh Jassowal will be featured for his efforts in preserving Punjabi identity.
Other individuals to be honoured include entrepreneur Rajni Bector, freedom fighter Habib ur Rahman Ludhianvi, spiritual figure Bhai Randhir Singh, industrialist Harkrishan Lal, and artists K Deep and Ishmeet Singh. The sporting contributions of Sukhpal Brar will also be commemorated.
Art as an Educational Tool
Sekhon elaborated that each artwork will be accompanied by a concise description of the individual’s achievements, serving an educational purpose for the public. “These walls will not only enhance the city’s aesthetics but will also function as open-air classrooms, reminding citizens of Ludhiana’s global contributions,” he added.
The public has expressed strong approval of the initiative, noting its potential to foster civic pride and awareness among the younger generations. The Municipal Corporation is actively identifying additional locations for the project, with plans to progressively convert blank walls into vibrant visual narratives that celebrate the city’s illustrious past.
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