Prayagraj: In a unique and heartfelt tribute to the Union Budget 2025, Zuhaib Khan, a talented artist from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, has created a stunning 8-foot-long charcoal portrait of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The artwork, crafted meticulously with graphite and charcoal, symbolizes the “progress of the nation” and reflects the artist’s hope that the budget will strengthen India’s economy, particularly through the enhancement of the Indian rupee.
“I have tried to convey my expectations with the budget through this portrait. I believe it will help the Indian rupee to strengthen, which in turn will advance the development of our country,” Zuhaib Khan said while speaking to ANI. His artwork not only stands as a tribute to the Finance Minister but also represents the aspirations of millions across the nation who hope that the Union Budget 2025 will usher in a phase of growth and stability for India.
A Tribute Through Art
Zuhaib Khan’s charcoal portrait is a part of a broader artistic celebration surrounding the release of the Union Budget 2025. His creation resonates with the symbolic strength and resilience of India’s economy. The portrait was unveiled on the day the Union Budget was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who visited President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan before delivering the budget to the Lok Sabha. The interaction between the two leaders also saw a traditional exchange of ‘dahi-chini’ (yogurt and sugar), a customary gesture to wish someone luck.
Sudarsan Pattnaik Joins the Artistic Celebrations
Zuhaib is not the only artist to have paid tribute to the Union Budget in a creative manner. Sudarsan Pattnaik, renowned sand artist, also celebrated the occasion with a massive sand sculpture on Puri Beach. Using four tons of sand, Pattnaik crafted a breathtaking piece of art with the words “Welcome Union Budget 2025” prominently featured. The sand sculpture captures the excitement and anticipation surrounding the Union Budget, which is being closely watched by the nation and the global community.
“I made this sand art to celebrate the Union Budget 2025. It reflects the significance of the budget as it will be announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a moment that the nation and the world are focused on,” Pattnaik told ANI.
The Union Budget 2025 and the Nation’s Economic Outlook
The Union Budget 2025, which is expected to lay the foundation for India’s economic growth in the coming years, was preceded by the presentation of the Economic Survey. The Economic Survey forecasted that India’s GDP would grow by 6.3% to 6.8% in FY2025-2026, reflecting optimism about the country’s economic trajectory.
The report emphasized that India’s economic fundamentals remain strong, buoyed by private consumption, fiscal consolidation, and a healthy external account. It highlighted the government’s focus on sectors such as capital goods, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and research and development (R&D), all of which are expected to drive long-term industrial growth.
“With a healthy external account, balanced fiscal consolidation, and steady private spending, the foundations of the domestic economy remain strong. Taking all of these factors into account, we anticipate growth in FY26 to be between 6.3% and 6.8%,” the survey stated.
However, the survey also noted that food inflation could be affected by factors such as weather conditions and global food prices. The seasonal drop in vegetable prices and the expected start of the Kharif crop are likely to alleviate food inflation by the fourth quarter of FY25. The first half of FY26 is also expected to see a strong Rabi crop, which should help keep food prices in check.
Celebrating India’s Artistic and Economic Progress
As the Union Budget 2025 continues to capture the attention of the nation, both artists and economists are hopeful that it will set the stage for significant economic progress and development. The tribute paid by artists like Zuhaib Khan and Sudarsan Pattnaik adds a cultural dimension to the economic discussions, reflecting the deep connection between India’s economic journey and its rich cultural heritage.
With the nation looking ahead to a brighter economic future, the artistic expressions surrounding the Union Budget serve as a reminder of the collective hopes and dreams of the Indian populace for a prosperous and equitable future.
