Ascend Jiva
On September 21, 2024, Hyderabad-born artist Noureen Sultana proudly presented her latest painting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a special welcome reception organized by the Indian Consulate in New York. The event, held at the prestigious Lotte New York Palace, honored the Prime Minister during his visit, and Noureen’s artwork symbolized the growing friendship between India and the United States.
Noureen’s painting, titled India and USA Friendship, is a vivid representation of cultural unity and harmony. At its heart, the painting features India’s national bird, the peacock, symbolizing beauty, pride, and grace. The artwork also incorporates earthy brown tones, a nod to Prime Minister Modi’s Virgo zodiac sign, reflecting his connection to the earth and nature. Sapphire blue, the color of September, symbolizes wisdom, while green represents nature and environmental harmony. Noureen thoughtfully selected each of these colors for their energy and symbolism, believing that colors speak a universal language, breaking barriers and fostering understanding.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the painting, appreciating its rich symbolism and the artist’s personal touch. The painting resonates not only as a tribute to the friendship between India and the United States but also as a reflection of Noureen’s artistic journey and her belief in the unifying power of art and culture.
Noureen, a firm believer in the unity of religions, has dedicated much of her work and life to promoting interfaith harmony and cultural understanding. She is deeply proud of her parents, who instilled in her the values of tolerance and respect, and her husband, Waheed Khan, whose unwavering support has been a source of strength throughout her artistic career. “I’m grateful for my parents and my husband for believing in me and my vision,” Noureen shared. “They have been the pillars of my journey, and this painting is as much a tribute to them as it is to the message of unity.”
Noureen’s invitation to the event by the Indian Consulate, as one of the select few invited for their cultural contributions, highlights her growing impact on the international stage.
About Noureen Sultana
Noureen’s journey as an artist has gained her international recognition. In 2023, her work was displayed on the grand digital screens of Times Square in New York City as part of an exhibition titled The Beauty of Hyderabad. This exhibition, which highlighted Hyderabad’s rich cultural heritage, architecture, and landmarks, was a resounding success, showcasing Noureen’s ability to merge history with modern artistic techniques.
Despite starting with modest means, Noureen has always pursued her passion for art, originally using Henna/Mehndi to create intricate designs. Her ambidextrous talent and innovative use of Henna gained her early attention, but it was her persistence and dedication that led her to explore new mediums and themes in her work.
In addition to her work, Noureen has passed on her passion for art to the next generation, with her sons Danish Khan and Mahid Khan, both multi-talented artists, now continuing the legacy of Generation Arts. Danish and Mahid, who are also high-honor students at school, embody Noureen's dedication to creativity, excellence, and cultural preservation.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Noureen is also known for promoting interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding. She has actively organized community events that celebrate diversity and foster unity. One of her most notable achievements was organizing the first-ever Eid ul Fitr celebration at the Rhode Island State House, which was attended by prominent community leaders. Noureen’s commitment to promoting peace and understanding through her art and community work has made her a respected figure in both the artistic and social spheres.
Noureen’s presentation of India and USA Friendship to Prime Minister Modi represents the culmination of her personal and professional journey. Through her work, she has not only honored the friendship between India and the United States but has also shared her vision of a world where art, culture, and unity transcend borders and bring people together. As a mother, artist, and advocate for unity, Noureen Sultana continues to inspire others with her story of resilience and her belief that art can change the world.
For more information on Noureen Sultana’s work, and to explore her custom paintings and tutorials, visit her Instagram page.
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