From Betul to Dubai: Sarla Tated's inspirational life in art and service

Gulf Today

28-04-2025

DUBAI: The grand halls of the Dubai World Trade Center sparkled and radiated with creativity and cultural brilliance during World Art Dubai 2025 (Apr. 17 – 20). One of the region's prestigious and most attended art exhibitions, among over 10,000 artworks and over 400 artists representing 60 plus countries, was Sarla Tated from India.
She is a 69-year-old artist and humanitarian hailing from Betul, Madhya Pradesh. Her participation in the art fair was not only a proud moment for her – she has overcome health issues which might have laid low less strong individuals - but also for the Indian art community. Her life in art and service has been a voyage rooted not only in artistry, but also selfless social service.
Sarla Tated's artistic journey began more than 60 years ago in the small town of Betul in Central India. Her early inclination towards art developed into a lifelong passion, which she nurtured through years of practice, learning, and perseverance.
A horse bursts out of its harness.
Besides her skill with the brush, her artworks narrate stories, blending vivid imagination and sincere emotion. She has mastered the use of oil and acrylic mediums, and crafts both abstract forms and realistic compositions. Among her most admired pieces are those depicting horses — full of energy, grace, and thundering motion — as well as works inspired by European techniques and motifs.
Her artworks are not confined to galleries. They live in places where emotion and remembrance are deeply embedded. One of her paintings hangs in a cancer hospital established by late Indian movie star Sunil Dutt, in memory of his wife Nargis Dutt, who died of cancer. The hospital serves not just as a medical institution, but also as a space of hope, where Sarla's artworks comfort, inspire and empower.
Another of her paintings is displayed in the residence of Arjun Singh, late Indian Minister of Human Resource Development. These placements highlight the respect and admiration her work commands, not only in artistic circles, but also among national leaders and institutions. Sarla Tated holds MA and LLB degrees: the humanities and law combination reflects her intellectual preparation and diverse interests. Her academic background has enhanced her ability to understand the world through a broader social angle and focused artistic lens.
A peacock displays its colours.
Beyond art, Sarla has devoted a significant part of her life to social work. For the past 27 years, she has been an active member of Mahavir International, a renowned socio-charitable organisation. In her current role as Zone Chairperson and Trustee, she leads various initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and women's welfare.
Her service includes organising free medical camps, distributing essential resources to the underprivileged, and empowering women in rural areas through skill-based programmes. She believes that education and creativity should go hand-in-hand to shape a better society. Her paintings mirror this belief, since they often touch on themes of strength, resilience, and humanity.
She has exhibited her work in numerous platforms in India and internationally. 'Each exhibition is a chapter in her ever-evolving story — a story of perseverance, passion, and purpose,' says her daughter Richa Jain, who is also an artist. 'From small town showcases to global galleries, her journey is a living testament to the idea that true talent transcends boundaries.'
Richa says her mother's presence at World Art Dubai 2025 was not only a personal milestone, but also a symbol of how Indian artists — especially senior women artists — are gaining recognition on international stages. At World Art Dubai, Sarla's paintings pulsed with vibrant realism and cultural soul. Viewers were drawn to their unapologetic realism, their texture and the firmness of the brushstrokes.
Equine black and white.
Sarla Tated's art and life journey reminds us that genuine art is not just what is seen on canvas — it is also how the artist has chosen to live, give, and uplift others through his or her talent. Katie Carey has this to say about the role of artists in society (artworkarchive.com). 'Every artist,' she says, 'plays a different and necessary part in contributing to the overall health, development, and well-being of our society.
Creative thinkers and makers provide their communities with joy, interaction, and inspiration, but they also give thoughtful critique to our political, economic, and social systems — pushing communities to engage thoughtfully and make steps toward social progress.'
'An artist's role is almost that of an Alchemist — capable of transforming a few humble materials into objects which are imbued with spiritual and aesthetic value and then possibly also material value,' adds Aleta Michaletos. 'My role is to offer through my art a message of hope to society, my community and the world at large.'
Sarla Tated is an Indian artist.
Sarla Tated's event at World Art Dubai was honoured by the presence of Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director & Private Advisor to the Office of Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; Al Ali also graciously accepted the invitation to be Chief Guest.
Also present were key dignitaries like Asma Al Janahi, leading UAE Government official and Bijender Singh, Head of Chancery & Consul (Protocol, Welfare & Culture), Consulate General of India, Dubai. Their presence was an acknowledgement of the commitment of artists like Sarla Tated, whose work bridges generations, geography, genres, art and service.
World Art Dubai is an eclectic melting pot of artistic styles. It offers a blend of contemporary, modern, and traditional art, from emerging artists, pop-art icons and fashion art disrupters, to experimental expressionists and fine art and photography practitioners.