Prof. M.C. Saxena’s Mural Makeover: Carnival of Misguided Brushes
3 min read
Shimla, December 29 Ritanjali Hastir
In a stroke of apparent good fortune for the otherwise neglected MC Saxena’s mural, authorities decided to give it a face-lift, dubbing it a part of the Winter Carnival Celebrations. Little did the mural know that its rejuvenation would turn into a dark comedy of errors, highlighting the government’s lack of vision and an apparent disdain for artistic finesse.
Contrary to the MC Saxena’s recommendations to entrust the task to skilled mural artists who understand the intricacies of preserving the detailed nuances of the original masterpiece, the administration opted for the services of regular wall painters. These painters, while undoubtedly proficient in their craft, lack the artistic finesse and aesthetic vision required for such a significant restoration.
The result is akin to a darkly humorous satire on the government’s lack of vision. The mural, once a detailed masterpiece, now mirrors a carnival funhouse, underscoring bureaucratic shortsightedness. The intricacies that once wove a narrative now seem warped and fragmented, as if the mural has undergone a chaotic whirl on a malfunctioning carnival ride.
To add insult to injury, the much-anticipated lighting to accentuate the mural’s features remains conspicuously absent. It seems the administration’s grand plan for the mural makeover was to throw it into the carnival chaos without any semblance of direction or purpose.
Shimla Municipal Commissioner Bhupinder Attri stated, “I was directed by the higher authorities to get the murals painted, so for the past two days, we have been getting it done. I will check about light provision and do the needful to restore it.”
One can’t help but wonder if this face-lift is more of a quick cosmetic job rather than a meticulous restoration. The lack of attention to detail and the absence of lights, which were an integral part of the original design, further raise eyebrows. The mural, which once stood as a testament to artistic brilliance, now faces the risk of becoming just another haphazardly painted wall, lost in the chaotic backdrop of the Winter Carnival.
In the grand scheme of things, the Winter Carnival appears to be more about organizing for the sake of organizing, rather than meticulous planning and execution. MC Saxena’s mural, once a dignified storyteller on the historic walls of Shimla, now bears the scars of a carnival makeover gone awry – a darkly humorous reminder of how visions can be lost in the whirlwind of bureaucratic decisions.
The Winter Carnival, which aims to celebrate the town’s heritage and culture, ironically seems to have overlooked a crucial aspect of its own history. As the lights fail to shine on the newly painted mural, one can’t help but question the administration’s vision for preserving and promoting Shimla’s artistic legacy.
In the name of progress, MC Saxena mural’s much-anticipated facelift has become a subject of satire and disappointment, leaving the residents and art enthusiasts wondering whether the administration missed the mark in their attempt to blend tradition with modernity. One thing is for sure – this Winter Carnival will be remembered not only for its festivities but also for the mural that lost its luster in the hands of bureaucratic brushstrokes.
