A Doctor’s Canvas: ‘Yatha Darshan’ Showcases Dr. Meera Kulkarni’s Artistic Journey
Pune, 11th February 2025: Art and medicine may seem like two distant worlds, but for Dr. Meera Kulkarni, they have always coexisted. A retired gynaecologist and public health administrator, Dr. Kulkarni is showcasing her first solo exhibition in Pune, Yatha Darshan, set to take place from February 14 to 17, 2025, at The Ravi Paranjape Art Studio, Model Colony. The exhibition Yatha Darshan which translates to “as one sees it,” offers a deeply personal exploration of human emotions, places, and personal reflections.
In a unique approach, Yatha Darshan will feature an audio-guided commentary, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stories behind each painting. The exhibition will be inaugurated by noted painter and Satyajit Ray Award recipient Chandramohan Kulkarni, in the presence of Smt. Smita Paranjape.
A Journey Through Four Themes
Dr. Kulkarni’s paintings are divided into four thematic sections: People: Capturing the essence of individuals she has encountered, these works tell untold stories through brushstrokes.
Places: Depicting locations that hold a deep emotional connection for the artist, these paintings may evoke a similar sense of belonging in viewers. Faces: Beyond expressions, this collection delves into the emotions that lie beneath the surface. Me Within Me: A deeply introspective segment, reflecting on the artist’s own journey and memories.
Places: Depicting locations that hold a deep emotional connection for the artist, these paintings may evoke a similar sense of belonging in viewers. Faces: Beyond expressions, this collection delves into the emotions that lie beneath the surface. Me Within Me: A deeply introspective segment, reflecting on the artist’s own journey and memories.
Dr. Kulkarni shares, “Every painting in this exhibition carries a story—some are inspired by people I’ve met, some by places I’ve visited, and some by the emotions that have shaped me over the years. ‘Yatha Darshan’ is not just about how I see the world, but also an invitation for viewers to find their own interpretations.”
From Medicine to Painting Stories
Dr Kulkarni, 66, retired as the Chief Health Officer of Nanded Municipal Corporation in 2016. With a medical career of 35 years, she has been an educator in adolescent and menopausal health and has led extensive awareness programs.
As Chief Health Officer of Nanded Municipal Corporation, Dr Kulkarni was instrumental in strict implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, a crucial step in addressing female foeticide. During her tenure the sex ratio Nanded municipal limits underwent a positive course correction.
She is presently working with the Institute of Psychological Health (IPH) led by Dr Anand Nadkarni. She contributes for the IPH’s mental health sensitisation programme for school students and teachers.
A Lifelong Passion for Art
Though medicine shaped her career, art has been her constant companion. She began painting at the age of four and continued to nurture her passion through her student life and professional career. Her first solo exhibition was held in Nanded in 2015, followed by several group exhibitions. Yatha Darshan marks her first solo show in Pune. Yatha Darshan promises to be more than just an art show—it is an invitation to witness the world through the eyes of a doctor and artist at heart, where every stroke tells a story.
