The sacred land of Punjab and the city of Amritsar, founded by Guru Ram Das Ji, is known around the world for its hospitality, cuisine, and historic architecture. But these days, the city’s walls and public spaces are telling a new story. It is a story of colours, sculptures, and passion that has added new charm to the beauty of Amritsar.
Behind this transformation stands an important name: artist Smiley Chaudhary, who through her art has not only built her own identity but has also given a new expression to Punjabi culture.
A Deep Connection with the Holy City
Smiley Chaudhary shares a deep bond with Amritsar. She was born and raised in the city and later married here as well. For her, Amritsar is not merely a city but a sacred land that has given her everything.
Living under the spiritual presence of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), she considers herself fortunate and expresses the heartfelt wish that she may be connected to this sacred city in every lifetime. For Smiley, art is not just a profession but a divine gift.
From Academic Career to Entrepreneurship
Smiley began her professional journey in teaching. She served as a faculty member at the well-known BBK DAV College in Amritsar for nearly nine years.
During this period, she observed that the younger generation had great enthusiasm for art but lacked the technical understanding and professional finesse required to become a serious artist. Realising this gap and driven by the desire to contribute something meaningful to the field of art, she decided to leave her job and pursue a new path.
Thara School of Art and the Journey of Commercial Art
Smiley, along with her husband, founded the “Thara School of Art.” The brand was named after their daughter Thara. Under the same initiative, she also started another venture called “The Dot.” Smiley is primarily a sculptor, and through these platforms she focused on creating wall murals and 3D artworks.
Her professional journey began with projects in home porch areas, but gradually expanded to resorts, banquet halls, and commercial cafeterias. According to Smiley, there is often a lack of proper intermediaries between artists and clients in India, and through “The Dot” she aims to bridge this gap.
The Deep Connection Between Art and Spirituality
Smiley believes that art is not merely something to be viewed; it has the power to purify a person spiritually.
Whether it is music or handcraft, dedicating sincere time and effort to any form of art refines one’s thinking and perspective. She also emphasizes that studying art is just as serious and rigorous as studying any scientific discipline.
In today’s AI-driven era, knowledge is easier to access than ever before. However, Smiley recalls that in earlier times artists had to travel long distances and work much harder to acquire skills and knowledge.
Public Art and Social Messages
Smiley gained significant recognition through her work in public spaces.
In Amritsar, she has depicted the message of the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign through her artworks. She considers this her small contribution to the Prime Minister’s initiative promoting the education and protection of girls.
During the G20 summit events, artworks created by her team from the airport to the Golden Gate area of Amritsar enhanced the city’s visual appeal.
Another memorable milestone in her career was the “Rangla Punjab” project, where her team completed a massive 3,000-square-foot artwork in just three days, setting a remarkable benchmark.
Challenges and Preserving Heritage
The field of sculpture has very few women practitioners. Smiley explains that this art form demands immense physical effort.
Working with cement, stone, and heavy tools often damages hands and clothes, which discourages many women from choosing this profession. However, Smiley accepted the challenge and carved a unique identity for herself in the field.
She also takes pride in the fact that her entire team consists of Punjabi artists, contributing to the preservation and promotion of local artistic traditions.
Smiley Chaudhary’s journey is not just a story of an artist’s success; it is also a story of preserving cultural heritage. Today she stands as an inspiration for thousands of young women, proving that when intentions are sincere, even the colours on walls can begin to speak.
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