India boasts a rich tradition of mural painting, an ancient art form linked to historic cave paintings that symbolize the evolution of Indian art. While some murals are well known, many hidden treasures lie scattered across the country, waiting to be discovered. The term “mural” comes from the Latin “murus,” meaning wall, and refers to artworks painted directly on large permanent surfaces. These works transform blank walls into vibrant canvases on which stories and social commentary can be told.
In an interview India ExpressSneha Chakraborty shared her insights on her pan-India mural art tour, an initiative by Mind & Matter Charitable Trust to spark conversations about mental health. Her stunning work combines striking visuals with profound messages, demonstrating how art can enliven public spaces and engage communities.
Chakraborty’s childhood Gujaratrevealed that she loved drawing since she was a child. As a child, she pursued mehendi art as an assistant to a local artist, learning the craft and earning her first paycheck. “I have always been an artist. Everyone has an artist in their heart, but I stuck to my creative side because it was fun. I loved dancing to Madhuri Dixit songs and watching movies,” she said.
“Art is in me, and art is everywhere.”
“I always enjoyed sketching and later developed a passion for painting. Creativity was a constant in my life as we moved frequently as my father worked as a mining engineer. We moved eight times and embracing the culture, food, language and lifestyle of each new home deeply influenced my art.
Nature is her favourite canvas and frequent moves, every two to four years, bring new landscapes and inspiration to her art. “In class 12, I was in hilly Assam and later in snow-covered Jammu and Kashmir. Nature has played a big role in my life and inspired my nature-soaked characters from different states,” she said.
She recalls the visit CutchranThe land of sand, camels and cacti was an early source of inspiration for her, and her frequent moves exposed her to changing dialects and diverse people, making it easy for her to connect with people and fostering an interest in human behaviour that influenced her art.
As an artist, she seeks to make a difference by drawing inspiration from the people and words she encounters. When asked about her guiding words, her heartwarming answer reflected her passion for this collaboration and her daily art.
“To be honest, every day is different. I wake up with a new aura and new energy that guides me. The people who guide me are my family – my father, mother and brother. I call them my ‘four wheels’ because they balance each other out. They are my spine and guide my soul,” she reminisces.
Heart Mural
Chakraborty loves the art, culture and traditions of her country and sees the national art tour as a way of giving back. In partnership with Mind & Matter Charitable Trust, which promotes mental health and wellness, especially among underprivileged children, Sneha highlights the link between art and mental health.
“Art, beauty and culture are inextricably linked with mental wellbeing. Through the art of Sneha Chakraborty, we have highlighted this connection in Madikeri (Coorg),” said Deepika Appiah, founder of the NGO.
“My first stop was Coorg, where murals pay tribute to NGOs like Mind & Matter. Inspired by Deepika’s dedication towards creating awareness, I too decided to share these stories through social media platforms,” ​​Chakraborty said.
Mind & Matter has been running a mental health awareness campaign since December 2021, organizing a “Paint a Wall” campaign to promote mental health and hosting sessions with artists and celebrities. In August 2022, it conducted workshops in 16 schools and universities. KodaguIn November 2024, we collaborated with the School of Psychiatry and Social Work, NIMHANS, Bangalore, to conduct similar workshops in 10 schools and colleges in Mysore and Kodagu.
When Sneha picked up paints and brushes and started painting, this became her biggest canvas yet.
Footprints of Hope
“Travel and Paint: India Tour is a collaboration with NGOs and local businesses to create art for the local community, the city and themselves,” Chakraborty said. “I feel like I was born to interact with humans. I’m not an introvert and I thrive on human connection,” she says.
Painting in the sun in the middle of a busy street often leaves Sneha feeling exhausted. But her determination is rekindled when passers-by gaze curiously at her murals. It is these electric moments of shared creativity and connection that are her true inspiration.
“The hustle and bustle of the streets and interactions with passers-by are what motivate me,” says Sneha. “But it’s the kids who really brighten up my day. Seeing the hopeful faces on their faces reminds me that there are other paths besides the usual career choices. I want to be an icon for them and show them that it is possible to make a difference and raise awareness through art. We always have options and it’s important to embrace them when the time is right.”
Curiosity is limitless, no assumptions
When we asked Chakraborty about the insights she gained from her trip to India, she told us, “A big lesson I learnt is that you should never judge a place based on rumours. For example, painting 12 walls in Haryana was a great experience. People were so kind and welcoming, especially in Narnole. There, I met a woman who runs a small business and employs other women, enabling them to become financially independent. I would never have known this had I not visited.”
“When you go somewhere with no preconceived ideas, you become the canvas for the story. It’s really interesting,” she added.
Art has immense power. It has the power to shape society, challenge norms and provoke thought. Every stroke of a brush, every line of a poem asks us to contemplate the reasons for existence and non-existence. For Sneha, art is more than pictures on a canvas or words on a page. It is a force for progress. Traditional forms of expression It expresses not only painting and drawing, but also poetry and the complex workings of the mind that manipulate the rhythms of daily life.
She doesn’t stick to a particular artistic style, she thinks outside the box to make each piece stand out, one piece may be colorful, the next may be dark and monochrome.
A kaleidoscope of creativity
Unconstrained by artistic conventions, Chakraborty’s creative journey is shaped by her rich experiences. Every interaction and sight influences her work, which reflects her essence and environment. Her goal is infinite expression and she refuses to limit herself to a single style. While some claim to find a unique style in her diverse works, she is not quick to accept this idea.
Her inspiration comes from the complex dance between humans and nature. Her attitude is sometimes deliberate. False positiveHer work reflects not only the world around her but also the introspective depths she explores.
Travelling from bustling cities to quaint towns, charming villages to tiny hamlets, she partners with NGOs and local businesses to weave a rich mosaic of stories across India’s cities.
The fun side
Chakraborty offered an interesting idea: “What if Da Vinci or Picasso were alive today and had access to all this technology? They would have explored using this technology because the world is more accepting now. They would have used social media to express themselves and encourage others to do the same.”
She further stated, “They will definitely embrace technology. Technology is a key factor today and they will make the most of it and have fun. They will excel in technology.”
Whatever is asked of her and how she wants to present herself to the world, she is ready. Armed with colors, paints, brushes and a treasure trove of creative ideas, she embraces every role with the vibrant spirit of an artist.
