In a heartwarming celebration of heritage and devotion, Professor Balbinder Kumar is meticulously bringing new life to a treasured 200-year-old painting at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This remarkable project beautifully connects the past with the present, honoring an artistic tradition that spans three generations of Kangra artists.

Kumar, an Assistant Professor specializing in Pahari miniature painting at the Indian Institute of Himalayan Studies in Himachal Pradesh, travels from Shimla on weekends to work on this labor of love. The fresco he's restoring depicts Guru Gobind Singh on horseback, accompanied by the five beloved ones, and is considered the first and only "realist" painting of the tenth Sikh Guru.

The story behind this assignment is as inspiring as the work itself. Two centuries ago, Maharaja Ranjit Singh commissioned an artist from Kangra to create this very painting for the Golden Temple. Now, history has come full circle as the shrine has once again turned to Kangra—this time choosing Kumar to restore the original and create a replica.

"I feel lucky that the Guru chose me," says Kumar with genuine humility. His dedication goes beyond professional commitment. As a mark of respect for this sacred assignment, he chose to keep unshorn hair following Sikh tradition, though no one required him to do so. "The Guru guided me," he explains warmly.

Kumar's journey to this prestigious assignment began in 2021 when he was first contacted to restore paintings at the historic Baba Bakala gurdwara near Amritsar. His exceptional skill and deep understanding of traditional techniques made him the natural choice for the Golden Temple project.

The restoration work demands extraordinary patience and expertise. The fresco secco masterpiece, created during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's era, has weathered two centuries, with natural pigments flaking due to time and environmental factors. Kumar is painstakingly using the same traditional painting techniques and natural pigments to preserve the artwork's authenticity.

"I am using the same painting techniques and natural pigments for restoration without any changes," Kumar emphasizes, demonstrating his commitment to historical accuracy and cultural preservation.

His connection to this art form runs deep. Kumar credits his mother, Rooma Devi, who painted Sikh Gurus, as his first teacher. He was later inspired by Samuel Gill, a student of the renowned artist Phulan Rani. Growing up just 15 kilometers from the birthplace of Maharaja Sansar Chandra—the king who patronized the Kangra painting style—Kumar feels a profound connection to this artistic legacy.

The UK-based Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, which oversees the Golden Temple's gold plating, specifically sought Kumar because of his regional connection to the original artist. "We thought he would be the best person to restore the old one and remake the new one," explained representative Inderjit Singh.

When asked about his timeline for completion, Kumar's response reflects his spiritual approach to the work: "Time doesn't matter here." He estimates finishing by March, but emphasizes that perfection, not speed, guides his hand.

This beautiful project reminds us how artistic traditions transcend time, connecting generations through skill, devotion, and shared cultural values. Kumar's dedication ensures that this sacred masterpiece will continue inspiring visitors for centuries to come.