Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA) celebrated its 65th Foundation Day at the Lalit Kala Art Galleries, Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi, with a series of events highlighting India’s artistic heritage and contemporary creative practices.
The celebrations were inaugurated by Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism, who lauded the Akademi’s contribution to promoting Indian art and preserving the country’s cultural legacy. He emphasized the role of art as a medium of creativity, positivity and cultural expression.
Marking the 150th birth anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi, the programme began with a musical tribute and included the felicitation of distinguished guests, members of the Akademi’s General Council and prominent personalities from the art fraternity.
A live painting demonstration by renowned artists Vasudeo Kamath and Ravindra Salve was a key attraction, while the book Mithila Ki Lokchitrakala by Avdhesh Aman was also launched during the event.
LKA Chairman Dr. Uttam Pacharne highlighted the Akademi’s future initiatives, including Triennale India, the International Print Biennale and plans for a dedicated triennale focused on India’s tribal and folk arts. He announced that the Akademi’s 65th year would be dedicated to women artists.
As part of the celebrations, LKA organised a Women Artists Camp and an exhibition featuring works by eminent women artists from its permanent collection, including Arpita Singh, Gogi Saroj Pal, Madhvi Parekh and Zarina Hashmi. A special exhibition of more than 500 painted postcards dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces was also showcased.
The exhibitions at the LKA Galleries, Rabindra Bhawan, remained open to the public until August 12, 2019.