Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat graced a special programme at the Lalit Kala Akademi as the Chief Guest, celebrating artistic excellence, sustainability and the spirit of service.
The event was attended by Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; K.K. Mishra, Joint Secretary (Akademies); Rajeev Kumar, Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi; and Padma Shri awardees Sudhakar Olwe, Sudarshan Patnaik and Ashok Kumar Vishwas.
Creativity Meets Sustainability:
During the programme, the Union Minister and other dignitaries viewed artworks created from discarded materials at workshops organised under the ‘Seva Hi Sanskriti’ initiative across various Lalit Kala Akademi centres.
Addressing the gathering, Shekhawat appreciated the Akademi’s efforts across its various verticals, particularly the ‘Waste to Wonder’ initiative. The programme encourages artists to transform waste materials into works of art while drawing attention to the role of creativity in promoting environmental sustainability.
National Exhibition Extended:
Vivek Aggarwal highlighted the need to provide artists with greater opportunities and wider visibility. He invited art enthusiasts, visitors and members of the public to view the 65th National Exhibition of Art at Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi.
The exhibition has been extended until October 31, 2026, and showcases diverse artistic expressions and contemporary trends from artists across the country.
Rajeev Kumar said the latest edition of the National Exhibition of Art reflected the growing reach and evolution of the prestigious event. More than 6,000 entries were received, from which 270 artists were selected through a two-tier jury process.
He also underlined the Akademi’s continued efforts to recognise emerging and established artistic talent through awards and national platforms.
Monograph on Abdul Aziz Raiba Released:
A monograph on eminent modern Indian painter Abdul Aziz Raiba was also released during the programme. Edited by Ram Gopal Khadilkar, the publication celebrates Raiba’s contribution to modern Indian art.
Raiba was known for his bold lines, vibrant colours and distinctive synthesis of Indian traditional forms with modern artistic expression.
Twenty Artists Felicitated:
During the event, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat felicitated 20 award-winning artists for their creative contributions to Indian visual arts.
Following the programme, the Minister and other dignitaries visited the National Exhibition of Art at the Lalit Kala Gallery. The exhibition reflects the Lalit Kala Akademi’s continuing mission to identify, encourage and provide national visibility to artistic talent from different parts of India.
Through the combined focus on artistic achievement, sustainable creativity and public engagement, the programme highlighted the expanding role of art in shaping a and environmentally conscious cultural landscape.
