Born in 1925 in Lyallpur, in pre-Partition Punjab, Krishen Khanna moved to India in the aftermath of Partition and went on to become one of the country's most sensitive figurative painters. His work, marked by expressive brushwork and a rich vibrant palette, reflects a deep engagement with the human condition, giving voice to marginalized lives like the bandwallas, migrant labourers, street vendors, while also drawing from mythological narratives and biblical allegories. Renowned for his iconic Bandwalla series, as well as his evocative depictions of Partition, everyday street scenes, and myth-inspired works drawn from the Mahabharata, Khanna's long career has been recognized with numerous honours, including the Lalit Kala Akademi Award, Padma Shri, Lalit Kala Ratna, and Padma Bhushan. As the centennial year celebrates his enduring legacy, Khanna stands as the last surviving member of the seminal Bombay Progressive Artists' Group, continuing to live and work in Gurugram.