Investing his paintings with rare nobility and character, Sobha Singh ( 1901-1986) created a Sikh idiom in Indian art and brought Punjab into the mainstream of the art movement in the country.

Though the young Sobha Singh joined the British Army as a draughtsman, he soon realized that the world of colours was his true calling. He sacrificed the security of a career in the Army to take up painting as a full time profession. His initial years as a professional artist saw him moving from Amritsar  to Lahore, and further to Delhi. He made a mark wherever he went, and set up an art studio in Delhi in 1942. During this period he produced some unique painting s on Indian Railways and the Posts and Telegraphs Department. He also worked as an Art Director for some films.

An unfortunate incident when about 300 of his valuable art pieces were destroyed by fire proved to be a turning point in his life. He moved to the sylvan surroundings of Andretta in the Kangra hills, where he established the now world famous "Sobha Singh Art Gallery" in 1950.

His paintings based on romantic tales such as Sohni-Mahiwal, Heer-Ranjha, Sassi-Punnu and Miza-Sahiban are well known. His paintings of the poets, writers , martyrs, saints and saint-warriors of Punjab as well as Sikh Gurus are also famous.

A  documentary  film  titled  "Painter of the People" throws more light on his life and works. The British Broadcasting Corporation also made a documentary on him in 1984. Numerous awards and distinctions were conferred on him, the prominent being the title of  'State  Artist'  of  the Punjab  Government, honorary  Doctorate  of the Punjab University and the Padmashri  of the Government of India.

The Department of Posts is happy to honour this; accomplished artist with the release of a commemorative  stamp.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India