Trilok Singh Artist - Met J.L Nehru

In 1938, Muslim League was replaced by Congress in Assam and Sh. Gopinath Baradoloi became Chief Minister of Assam. Trilok Singh completed painting ‘Mother India with flambeau’ where his study of nature and wild animals of Assam Jungles could be seen along with his patriotic feelings. The prevailing conditions of country at time had left deep impressions on his mind and he worked on National themes.

In 1938, two paintings- Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chander bose were prepared and sent to Congress session at Haripur in Assam.

In 1939, due to the Hindu Muslim riots, Pandit Nehru’s visit to Assam was postponed but in those days Trilok Singh had started thinking only about Independence of India. He started expressing his ideas and views on the canvas. He felt very strongly about the “Divide and Rule policy” of the Britishers and prepared a painting on this topic. He came to know about the visit of Pandit Nehru to NowGong. He was very keen to meet him personally. He went to Chhaparhmukh railway station along with other Punjabi Sikhs to meet Pandit Nehru. As soon as, the train arrived at the railway station, he felt thrilled to see Pandit Nehru. He garlanded him. He was overwhelmed with joy after seeing him. He made one painting to present to Pandit Nehru.

One very old photograph of the oil painting presented to Pt. Nehru is depicted here. The Indian movement for Independence shown as a boat going through rough sea. Hindus and Muslims are shown fighting represent - Divide and Rule policy of Britishers. Hindus and Muslim haven broken their oars and stopped steering the boat. The Commoner Indians are shown as lady with folded hand on her forehead worried about future and with other hand is stopping the child not to indulge in the fight. Mahatma Gandhi with folded hands appealing Hindus and Muslims to stop fighting and let the boat of independence reach its destination. Abdul Ghaffar Khan (known as Sarhadi Gandhi - Frontier Gandhi - Fakhr-e-Afghan)is standing and appealing both Hindus and Muslims to stop fighting. Crocodiles near the boat are dangers to the Independence movement.

Pt. Nehru was shown in sea with his oar as he delayed the Congress session due to the riots. Pt. Nehru is looking the overall situation and shown pulling the boat ahead with a rope. Bharat Mata having garland in one hand and with other hand advising to continue pulling the boat ahead. The Flag of independence is furling half way on pole.

Next day, the Artist attended the congress session and presented this portrait to Pandit Ji. He was very happy to see the idea and liked it. Pt Nehru said,” You will be very useful artist to our country.”