Varanasi, 30 October 2024 – The People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has awarded the esteemed Jan Mitra Award to Prof. Suresh K. Nair, an eminent artist recognized for his profound contributions to art, culture, and social harmony. This prestigious honor celebrates Prof. Nair’s dedication to fostering peace and unity through his artistic vision, notably through his celebrated public art project, ‘Wall of Peace.’ This project has served as a testament to art’s power in promoting unity and coexistence, underlining the role of creative expression in advocating social justice and harmony.
The award ceremony, held in Varanasi, was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, Founder and Convenor of PVCHR; Helma Ritscher, Chairwoman of the Indo-German Society of Remscheid, Germany, who presented the award; Prof. Chawky Frenn, Associate Professor at George Mason University and Fulbright Scholar at Banaras Hindu University; Smt. Shruti Nagvanshi; Shri Direndra Sisodia; and Shri Amit Kumar, along with other eminent dignitaries. The event was a profound celebration of art’s influence in promoting peace and bridging divides.
Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi spoke on the occasion, stating, “The Jan Mitra Award bestowed upon Prof. Suresh K. Nair by PVCHR marks a moment of deep pride and celebration, recognizing his lifelong commitment to using art as a force for social change. Prof. Nair’s work transcends boundaries, speaking to universal values of justice, compassion, and inclusivity. This honor is not just a recognition of his artistic talent, but also of his dedication to fostering empathy and awareness through his creative expressions. It’s a testament to his role in inspiring others toward a more humane and equitable world.”
Prof. Suresh K. Nair’s artistic journey is marked by a commitment to cultural preservation and a drive to push the boundaries of contemporary art. His work inspires artists and advocates for peace worldwide. Notably, his accolades include the Elizabeth Green Shield Foundation Scholarship (Canada, 1999), the Fulbright Fellowship (USA, 2006-07) for an educational exchange program at Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, and the Lalithakala Akademi Award, Kerala. He has studied mural painting at the Institute of Mural Painting Guruvayur, Kerala, and Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan, and currently serves as a professor in the Department of Painting at the Faculty of Visual Arts, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
Prof. Nair’s dedication to social harmony and his influence as an artist are honored through this award, which reinforces PVCHR’s mission to uphold and celebrate those who work toward a just and peaceful society.
About PVCHR:
The People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) is a leading organization dedicated to protecting human rights and promoting social justice across India. PVCHR’s initiatives aim to empower marginalized communities, advocate for policy reforms, and inspire social change through education, awareness, and community engagement.
