ABOUT
THE INDIAN SAINT PROJECT
The Indian Saint Project, a collaboration of art and academics, pays tribute to the enlightened souls and visionary figures of 19th and 20th-century India. It is a family endeavour led by two creative couples: Noy Haimovitz and Tamir Erlich, a renowned Israeli artistic duo, and Michal Erlich and Khinvraj Jangid, an Israeli-Indian scholars at O.P. Jindal Global University, India.
Following in the footsteps of holy figures is an ancient practice interwoven into the spiritual fabric of India, transcending time, religions, and regions. By doing so, we—academics, seekers, and artists—search for paths of crossing existential suffering in the present global age, which is imbued with inequality, violence, and estrangement.
The carefully crafted digital hand-painting of the project map the saints' pivotal life events, core philosophies, and teachings. The detailed artwork reflects the breadth of our research and invites viewers to experience the saints’ vāṇī (voice) through visual form.
The Indian Saint Project echoes the vibrant tradition of the Indian Bazaar Art movement, which flourished in the 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the rise of the modern Maha-guru phenomenon. We draw particular inspiration from the legendary oleographs of the Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906), whose works depicted Indian gods, goddesses and scenes from the Indian epics.
This first series of the project features the digital painting of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, Sai Baba, Anandamayi Ma, Ramana Maharshi, Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother), Mahatma Gandhi, and B. R. Ambedkar.
Each saint, guru, and social reformer in this project transcended religious, social, and cultural boundaries and profoundly transformed their surroundings. They expanded the scope of human thought and cultivated, compassion, love, and kalyan (well-being), spreading goodness in the world.
HOW
THE PROJECT CAME TO BE
MICHAL & KHINVRAJ
The idea for this project was born during the Covid-19 pandemic, in the warm and familiar space of Edna’s living room, Michal and Tamir’s mother. One evening, a conversation sparked around the 15th-century Indian saint-poet Kabir, a favorite of Khinvraj, as one might expect from a JNU graduate. The discussion led us to reflect on how some rare individuals transcend everyday social definitions, moving beyond the notions of "Me" and "Other," beyond national and religious borders. Kabir’s words framed our dialogue:
गुरू गोविन्द दोऊ खड़े, काके लागूं पांय। बलिहारी गुरू अपने गोविन्द दियो बताय।।
“Guru and God [Govind] both stand before me. Whose feet should I touch first? The guru gets the offering: He shows me the way to God.”
What began as casual discussions soon became a cherished ritual—a journey of reflection, questioning, and rediscovery of what it means to be a "saint" and to follow saints' teachings? How does their presence continue to resonate in today’s world, both within and beyond Indian traditions?
Naturally, our conversations turned to visual representation—how is holiness depicted in India? How could we create meaningful, modern interpretations of these saints? The project took shape gradually over several years, evolving through deep insights and a heartfelt commitment to sharing it with the world—to spread love, compassion, and hope in as many hearts as possible.
NOY & TAMIR
Michal Erlich and Khinvraj Jangid are an Israeli-Indian couple living in Delhi with two daughters, Anaar-Bhavani and Taara-Kalyani. Our lives are a fusion of two distinct yet harmonious cultures. Michal holds a PhD in India Studies, and Khinvraj in Israel Studies. While Michal is an Associate Professor & Associate Director of the Jindal India Institute at O.P. Jindal University, Khinvraj is a Professor & Director of the Jindal Center for Israel Studies at the same university. For nearly two decades, Michal has studied the connections between lived religion and well-being in India, while Khinvraj has focused on political leadership within the framework of Israel-India relations. Both have published in leading international journals, presented their work at prestigious universities, and earned numerous scholarships and awards. This academic and personal synergy is woven into the fabric of our identity, reflected not only in our intellectual pursuits but in our daily lives as a family.
For more on Michal & Khinvraj research see:
Noy Haimovitz and Tamir Erlich are a distinguished Israeli artistic duo renowned for their innovative installations that seamlessly integrate light, sound, and sculpture. Their work is characterized by a neo-mythic approach, reinterpreting ancient myths to create contemporary narratives that engage with modern issues. Noy and Tamir met at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, where their shared creative vision led to a deep personal and professional partnership. After completing their master’s degrees, they officially formed their artistic duo in 2020, quickly establishing themselves as central figures in the Israeli art scene, with their work showcased in leading museums and contemporary art venues both in Israel and internationally.
For more on Noy & Tamir's work see: