In the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, where Nature paints its most exquisite landscapes, walks a man who has mastered the art of both healing and creating. Dr. Jahangir Aslam Makhdoomi, an accomplished oncologist and landscape artist, exemplifies how passion and profession can coexist harmoniously, enriching both domains through their unique intersection. His journey offers insights into the delicate balance between science and art, showcasing how diverse interests can complement rather than compete with each other.
Dr. Jahangir Aslam Makhdoomi: oncologist by profession, artist by passion
Dr. Makhdoomi approaches his dual roles with remarkable clarity. “As far as being a doctor is concerned, it’s my job to earn my daily bread. I am a clinician, an Oncologist at that moment. My job is to alleviate suffering, be compassionate, and try to find the best possible remedy for my patient’s disease,” he explains. His medical practice is guided by years of rigorous training and a deep commitment to alleviating pain.
Yet when he steps into his studio, a transformation occurs. “When I am in my studio, I am an artist who tries to create something magical on a blank canvas. I am canvassing my knowledge of composition, painting, colours, brush strokes,” he shares. This clear distinction between his professional and artistic personas allows him to excel in both domains, though he humbly dismisses the notion of “excelling” as “overrated.”
What makes Dr. Jahangir Aslam Makhdoomi unique is how his artistic sensibilities enhance his medical practice. “Artists are more emotional, sensitive, soft, and tender, and they are more subtle and balanced with others, and in my case, patients,” he reflects. This artistic temperament brings an additional dimension to his interactions with cancer patients, enabling him to view them as whole individuals rather than merely medical cases.
Discovering the painter’s path: from portraits to landscapes.
Dr. Makhdoomi’s artistic journey began with portraiture before expanding into landscapes. “I loved doing portraits and painting people. It gave me pleasure,” he recalls. The pivotal moment came when an art teacher suggested he explore landscape painting to diversify his skills. This suggestion proved transformative, igniting a passion that continues to fuel his artistic pursuits.
“I gave it a try and it took me over. I enjoyed painting trees, leaves, rivers, mountains, water… It connected me with varied things around me, Nature and made me kind of ‘Responsible’ towards Nature,” he shares. This newfound connection with the natural world added purpose to his artistic expression, instilling a sense of environmental stewardship that complements his healing profession.
Kashmir: The eternal muse.
For any landscape artist, the environment shapes vision, and Dr. Makhdoomi is blessed to call Kashmir—often described as heaven on earth—his home. “Kashmir is Heaven!! We witness all four seasons, and everything I need to paint as my subject,” he enthuses. The region’s breathtaking beauty provides endless inspiration, with its changing seasons offering a diverse palette of visual experiences.
However, Dr. Makhdoomi’s relationship with his homeland extends beyond mere aesthetic appreciation. His art captures Kashmir’s changing environmental narrative, documenting shifts that might otherwise go unnoticed. “We would have had enough snowfall in winter while we were kids, and snow covered everything from tiny blades of grass to massive tree trunks; everywhere around looked calm and in shades of white. With all this climate change, we don’t get enough snowfall in the plains,” he observes thoughtfully.
Dr. Jahangir Aslam Makhdoomi’s creative process: memory, emotion, and technique
Dr. Jahangir Aslam Makhdoomi is an inspiring example of how seemingly disparate passions can nurture each other.’s creative process draws deeply from memory and emotion, particularly childhood recollections of Kashmir’s pristine landscapes. Reflecting on a recent work depicting a snow-covered scene, he reveals, “Reminiscent of my childhood days, I wanted to have a scene created on the canvas, which I did, and after completion made me think, Man!!! We need to take care of our environment. The picture that was an everyday find outside my window is now on a motionless canvas only.”
This transformation of memory into art serves both as personal expression and environmental commentary. His paintings thus become more than aesthetic objects—they are documents of change, reminders of what stands to be lost, and calls for environmental stewardship.
Where medicine and art converge
The intersection of Dr. Jahangir Aslam Makhdoomi’s dual paths creates a unique perspective that enriches both pursuits. “I witness struggle, fear, grief, and uncertainty in patients’ cancer journey as an Oncologist,” he shares. “Art gives me a medium for expression and to process my emotions, to overcome certain complexities by being more thoughtful and meticulous.”
This symbiotic relationship between medicine and art allows Dr. Makhdoomi to approach patient care with enhanced empathy. “If I am trained to address clinical, physical aspects of cancer care, very likely I view patients more than illness—understand their emotions, stories, empathy and get connected, the way as an artist I get attached to my subject to paint,” he explains.
The language of appreciation and expression
For Dr. Jahangir Aslam Makhdoomi, the accurate measure of artistic success lies not in verbal praise but in the viewer’s engagement. “If a person spends a few moments in front of my artwork and gets immersed without saying a word…my job as an artist is done,” he reflects, while candidly adding, “By the way, who doesn’t like to be appreciated?”
Rather than seeking superficial compliments, he values thoughtful engagement with his work—appreciation of his approach, composition, and technical execution. This preference for depth over shallow praise mirrors his approach to medicine, where meaningful patient connections supersede professional accolades.
Nurturing Kashmir’s artistic legacy
Dr. Makhdoomi takes evident pride in Kashmir’s rich artistic heritage. “Kashmir has produced numerous able and well-renowned artists. The body of work they have made is robust, soulful and masterfully done,” he observes. His commitment to this legacy shows in his optimism about the region’s artistic future, particularly with emerging talents joining the established masters.
Looking ahead, he envisions a flourishing art scene that transcends individual accomplishment. “I want to see artists here sharing and learning, and teaching skills of art; it should disseminate the way water flows from high ebb to low,” he states. This vision of knowledge transmission and community building reflects his holistic approach to both medicine and art—healing and creating are not solitary acts but communal endeavours that benefit from open exchange.
Dr. Jahangir Aslam Makhdoomi is an inspiring example of how seemingly disparate passions can nurture each other. His story reminds us that we need not choose between our diverse talents and interests—sometimes, the most meaningful life emerges from their thoughtful integration.
Also Read: UPSC Success Story: How Mohammad Muneeb Bhat From Kashmir Made It Big
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Fantastic Deepak.The write up is absolutely amazing…..