Dubai, UAE – On the vibrant occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, Funun Arts Group, in collaboration with Art of Living, brought a dazzling spectrum of colors, culture, and creativity to life through their extraordinary event, RANG – Colors of India. This celebration was more than an event—it was an artistic journey that paid homage to the richness of India’s heritage while symbolizing its remarkable progress, resilience, and shared cultural ties with the UAE.
Held at the iconic Art of Living, a destination for art and culture in Dubai, RANG celebrated India’s timeless traditions and forward-thinking spirit under this year’s theme, “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development). The theme poetically captured India’s harmonious blend of its illustrious past with a promising future, reflecting the nation’s journey as a cultural powerhouse and a modern innovator.
The event unfolded against the backdrop of Republic Day, an occasion of profound significance in India’s history. Celebrated on January 26th each year, this day marks the momentous adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, signifying India’s transition to a sovereign democratic republic. The spirit of Republic Day—rooted in diversity, resilience, and inclusion—resonated throughout the event.
Adding to the grandeur of the celebration, the event was inaugurated by an esteemed assembly of VIP guests, whose presence highlighted the profound cultural and diplomatic ties between India and the UAE. The VIP guest list was His Excellency Yaqoob Al Ali, His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, Her Excellency Halima Al Sayegh, Honorable Sultana Farouq Kazim, Eng. Aliya Shaik Mohammed Al Kindi, Muhammad Yusuf, Kusum Dutta, Ahmed Al Awadhi, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Tarannum Ahmed, Akbar Saheb, Vikas Bhargava, and Reema Mahajan. Their participation added immense value to the celebration. The event also saw strong support from notable guests and friends
These distinguished guests shared powerful messages of solidarity, highlighting the shared values of collaboration, diversity, and mutual respect that define the enduring bond between India and the UAE. Their speeches not only celebrated India’s cultural richness but also emphasized the UAE’s role as a global hub for multiculturalism and creativity.
A thought-provoking panel discussion was at the heart of the event, exploring the deep historical and cultural connections between India and the UAE. Esteemed speakers such as Eng. Aliya Shaik Mohammed Al Kindi and Muhammad Yusuf reflected on the creative, entrepreneurial, and cultural bridges that unite these two dynamic nations.
Adding a youthful vibrancy to the discussions were youth leaders including Tanveer Akbar, Khwahish Punjabi, Joud Khaled, and Mariam Ahmed Al Shamsi. Their perspectives were infused with hope, optimism, and a forward-looking vision, underscoring the role of younger generations in fostering cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
The event’s art exhibition was an awe-inspiring display of creativity, featuring the works of over 30 exceptional artists. Each artwork radiated the richness of Indian culture and its evolving artistic expressions. Notable artists such as Akbar Saheb, Ahmed Al Awadhi, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Swapnil Jawale, and many others presented pieces that celebrated the vibrant soul of India. The artworks ranged from traditional motifs to contemporary interpretations, showcasing the diverse talents of the Indian art community.
A stunning collection of art was presented by artists such as Afshan Nawaz Khan, Ahmed Al Awadhi, Akbar Saheb, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Anju K Mehta, Ankita Tiwari, Dhruti Vrajesh Shah, Dr. Mankush Srivastava, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Dr. Seema Upadhye, Farah Khan, Jagruti Sanjay, Khan Ayaan Abdulla, Kiran Kumar, Latha Narayanan, Manjari Vaibhava, Menka Jain, Mohd. Huzaifa Khan, Mridu Srivastava, Neema Rajesh, Pari Sagar, Salwa Saleem, Sandhya Iyer, Shilpa Chandrasekheran, Swapnil Jawale, Tammanna Ansari, Vasanthi Kannan, and Vidhi Soni. These artists brought vibrancy and life to the exhibition with their remarkable creativity.
The cultural program was further elevated by a captivating dance performance by Priyanka Ghate and her Sunarthanam Dance Group. With every graceful movement and expressive gesture, the dancers brought to life the spirit of Indian traditions, leaving the audience mesmerized.
Shiba Khan, Founder and Director of Funun Arts Group, spoke passionately about the event:
“As we honor our ‘Virasat’ (heritage), we take immense pride in our ancient civilizations, our contributions to science, art, literature, and spirituality. India is home to the wisdom of the Vedas, the architectural marvel of the Taj Mahal, and the rich traditions of yoga and Ayurveda. At the same time, ‘Vikas’ (progress) shapes the India of tomorrow—one that is pioneering advancements in technology, infrastructure, and sustainability. Our initiatives like Digital India and Green Energy projects are symbols of our aspiration for a brighter, more inclusive future.”
Echoing her sentiments, Farah Khan, Co-founder and Creative Designer of Funun Arts Group, said:
“RANG: Colors of India is a pure blend of Indian culture and heritage. Each artwork exhibited reflects the beauty and richness of our motherland, showcasing the stories, dreams, and ambitions of a nation that continues to inspire the world. The unity and connection between the UAE and India are not just about economic transactions; they are about shared dreams, mutual respect, and a vision for a better tomorrow. The Indian diaspora in the UAE stands as a testament to this strong bond, acting as ambassadors of goodwill, progress, and harmony.
The success of RANG – Colors of India was made possible through the collaborative efforts of passionate individuals and teams. Mr. Laith Al Omari, Digital Media Manager of Art of Living, and his team played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s seamless execution, while Funun Arts Group’s commitment to nurturing the global art community was evident in every detail.
More than an art event, RANG was a celebration of shared values, cultural exchange, and unity. It served as a testament to the transformative power of art in bridging communities, inspiring creativity, and fostering dialogue across borders.
The resounding success of RANG – Colors of India has set the stage for future cultural initiatives and collaborations. As Funun Arts Group continues its mission of promoting artistic expression and multicultural unity, this event stands as a shining example of how art and culture can bring people together, transcend boundaries, and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
In the words of the organizers, RANG was not just an event but a movement—one that celebrates the tapestry of Indian heritage while envisioning a future of global harmony, creativity, and progress.
As the vibrant colors of RANG fade into memory, they leave behind a lasting impression of the indomitable spirit of India and its enduring friendship with the UAE. Together, these nations continue to build bridges of understanding, creating a shared future rich in culture, creativity, and collaboration.
About The Art of Living: The Art of Living is the first and biggest furniture, home appliance, and home accessories shopping mall in the MENA region. The Art of Living was shaped after extensive collaboration with retail industry professionals to offer a creative environment that goes above and beyond what is often seen in shopping malls. It has a soul of its own, a heart that beats, and a unique sense of style. The Art of Living is a one-stop solution for all of your furniture and home décor requirement
About Funun Arts Group: Funun Arts Group is a Vibrant Hub for Artistic Expression. Founded in 2016 by Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, Funun Arts Group is a dynamic community that celebrates the diverse talents of artists, visual arts enthusiasts, designers, photographers, and creative minds from around the world. With a mission to inspire and empower artists, the group provides a platform that encourages creativity and showcases artistic potential. Today, Funun Arts Group connects over 15,000 multinational artists, creating a bridge between creators, collectors, architects, interior designers, and art enthusiasts. Through local and international exhibitions, collaborations with galleries, participation in art fairs, and hosting numerous shows in the UAE, Funun Arts Group has earned recognition on a global scale.
