Gujral has been internationally acclaimed for his multi-talents of painting, graphics, sculpture, murals, architecture and interior design He was born in Jhelum, Punjab, in 1925 Entombed in silence in his early years as a result of his hearing being impaired, he would draw and read Urdu literature, and in 1939 joined the Mayo School of Art in Lahore In 1944 he joined the JJ School of Art in Bombay where he came into contact with the Progressive Artists Group (PAG) Unable to accept their European vocabulary or their techniques, he searched for a more traditional Indian modernism He is also known for his large murals, commissioned around India and abroadSix books of his works have been published Plus an autobiography "A Brush With Life" Several films have been made documenting his work and life A full length feature film based on his autobiography is in the making In recognition of his national and international achievements, "Delhi Citizen Council" in 1989 honoured him as one of the twenty five most prominent of its Citizens with the most significant contributions to the prestige of the city made in the last quarter century It is in recognition of these achievements that the President of India honoured Satish Gujral in the year 1999 with "Padma Vibhushan", the second highest honour awarded by the State