“Ram ka Van Gaman” – A Procession of Pain and Dharma by Rounak Rai
In his artwork “Ram ka Van Gaman”, contemporary folk-modernist artist Rounak Rai turns one of the most iconic moments of the Ramayana—Lord Ram’s departure to exile—into a vivid, emotionally resonant canvas that speaks as much of myth as it does of today’s moral dilemmas.
With his signature visual language blending bold lines, flattened perspectives, symbolic color blocks, and narrative inscriptions, Rai captures the collective sorrow and quiet resolve of Ram, Lakshman, and Sita as they begin their journey from Ayodhya to the forest, leaving behind a grieving kingdom.
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Visual Storytelling:
The three central figures—Ram, Lakshman, and Sita—stand silently, adorned in simple red-and-white garments. Their downcast eyes and inward expressions evoke a deep sense of detachment, humility, and inner strength.
Behind them, we see a crowd of Ayodhya’s citizens, rendered in monochrome with raised arms and red eyes, symbolizing both sorrow and protest. This collective mass becomes a visual metaphor for a grieving nation, helpless yet devoted.
In the background, the architecture of Ayodhya appears in faint blues and greys—detached from the human drama, as if the palace itself mourns its rightful heir’s departure.
The embedded Hindi script gives a direct voice to the moment:
“राम के साथ जन-सीता लक्ष्मण, वियोगपूर्ण भीड़ तीनों स्वरूप नदी के किनारे किनारे चले गए और फिर अयोध्या छोड़ दी।”
— This becomes not just a caption but a poetic echo of public heartbreak and the beginning of Ram’s spiritual journey.
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Rounak Rai’s Style in Focus:
Rounak Rai’s genius lies in his ability to strip myth down to emotion, using minimalistic yet powerful forms. His use of red and white—a recurring color theme—symbolizes sacrifice, purity, and cultural rootedness. The flatness of space and lack of ornamental distraction pull viewers’ attention to the characters’ expressions and body language.
Like the best of folk traditions, Rai’s figures carry psychological weight without hyper-realism. He maintains narrative clarity but infuses it with contemporary emotional depth, making ancient stories speak freshly to modern hearts.
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Conclusion:
“Ram ka Van Gaman” by Rounak Rai is not simply a painting of exile—it’s a visual meditation on sacrifice, leadership, and public grief. It resonates with timeless questions: What does it mean to leave power behind? What is the cost of righteousness? In Rai’s hands, this mythic departure becomes not just the beginning of Ram’s forest journey—but the beginning of our moral reflection as well.
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