KP’s life experiences formed the man he is today. As a young child, KP, with his family, fled from ethnic cleansing during the Partition of India in 1947, forcibly having to leave his home in an area of India that is now Pakistan. He calls his time in Indianapolis a “rebirth.” As someone from a country with an ancient heritage and civilization, KP brings a respect for the architecture of Indiana as well as the world. “I see all great architectural landmarks and major heritage sites as our collective heritage, a cherished treasure that introduces us to the history and spirit of our civilization,” he said in a 2007 interview. KP’s artwork – detailed ink drawings of local, national, and international landmarks – invites one to “slow down, take a deep breath, walk with me, and enjoy–you will be happy and surprised at the details of buildings you thought you knew well.”
These historic buildings are spiritual places, where the souls of many people have lived, worshipped, and memorialized others. By calling attention to the details and meaning in the facades or interiors of these spaces, KP calls those who live amongst these historic buildings to appreciate and respect their heritage. His art is a form of documentation, education, and inspiration. “A piece of statuary is like a jewel on a ring, like a beautiful diamond on a necklace,” he told me, underlining the interest and value we should be placing in what he sees to be sacred spaces. His most popular work, “Cathedrals of Spirit,” juxtaposes various places of worship from around the world: the Dome of the Rock, the Hindu Temple at Tiruchirappalli, India, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Sikh Golden Temple of Amritsar, India, a Jain Temple in Ahmadabad, India, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand, and Indianapolis’ Christ Church Cathedral.
This interfaith message is a key part of his Sikh faith, which originated in 1469 in India. The foundational tenet of the Sikh faith is that humans are all children of one God, that each person is fashioned in God’s image and possesses the same divine light. “Who, then, is not worthy? Who is more special than another?” KP asked me. The sanctity of all human life and the importance of sharing one’s own wealth and blessings with others are important to the Sikh faith. The Sikhs supported women’s rights and rejected the caste system from the beginning, a progressive approach unique to its 15th century context. Sikhs, meaning “students or learners” in Punjabi, are lifetime-long learners and practice selfless service to various community needs, which explains KP’s artistry, love for history, commitment to welcoming diversity in the Midwest, and lifelong service to Indiana. It is no surprise that KP is a two-time receiver recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award.