Roy Debanjan has created a series of works featuring Gandhi (1869 - 1948), who was revered in India as the"Father of the Nation" and internationally as an icon of a free India. Debanjan's sculptures depict Gandhi in his humble loincloth and shawl normally only worn by the lowliest Indian caste. In sharp contrast, he interacts with symbols of materialism and technological advancement - mobile phones and laptops.
 
Gandhi once said, "There is more to life than increasing its speed." Debanjan's sculptures recall Gandhi's belief in non-violence and Satyagraha - meaning to live a life of truth and firmness - a way of life implicit in the Hindu religion. Painted red, the auspicious colour symbolizes purity in India; befitting of the man called Mahatma or Great Soul. Armed with the gadgets that define our modern existence, Indians race forward with these new tools in the name of progress and symbols of their new-found affluence. Debanjan's Gandhi questions the decline of social cohesiveness, collective spiritiualism and human interaction amidst a rapid economic ascent and a growing fondness for materialism. Perhaps as a harbinger for less spiritual times, Gandhi foretold, "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them."



Awards and Scholarships

2004
Nirman Award

2002-2003
Lalit Kala Academy Scholarship.

2002-2004 
Junior Fellowship from Ministry of Tourism and Culture
Government of India

2001
HK Kejriwal Foundation Young Artist Award

2000
Best Sculpture Award from West Bengal State Academy
Best Sculpture Award from Rabindra Bharati University

1999
Best Sculpture Award from Rabindra Bharati University

1996
Certificate of Merit from Inter-University Competition