Scalpel to Brush: Mandi surgeon creates 150 paintings post-retirement
After a distinguished career in medicine, a retired and renowned surgeon from Mandi district has found a new calling in the world of art.
Embracing his creative side, Dr OP Mahendru embarked on a remarkable journey as an artist, creating 150 paintings since the onset of the Covid pandemic. He began painting during his tenure at IIT- Mandi, where the pandemic inspired him to express the emotional turmoil he experienced.
In a striking exhibition at the recent Indian Medical Association conference, Mandi, Dr Mahendru showcased 101 of his artworks, captivating fellow doctors from across the state and beyond.
Despite retiring in 2005, Dr Mahendru continued to engage with the medical community, but it was during the pandemic that his long-buried passion for art resurfaced. He dedicated countless hours to painting, often working for long hours. His artwork has also been featured on the cover of a book by esteemed writer Dr Ganga Ram Raji.
Through his exhibitions, Dr Mahendru aims to convey that doctors can possess artistic talents beyond their medical skills. At the age of 77, he continues to inspire others to express their creativity, proving that the artist within can flourish at any age.
Hemant Lata, a teacher, who has also passion for painting, appreciated the work of Dr Mahendru. She stated that his work is appreciable and creation of his paintings is wonderful in itself.
Acrylic on canvas
- Despite retiring in 2005, Dr Mahendru continued to engage with the medical community, but it was during the pandemic that his long-buried passion for art resurfaced
- Dr Mahendru's paintings, created using acrylic on canvas, reflect his experiences during the Covid pandemic, which he likened to a ship battling stormy seas. His artwork has also been featured on the cover of a book by esteemed writer Dr Ganga Ram Raji
- At the age of 77, he continues to inspire others to express their creativity, proving that the artist within can flourish at any age
