Art connects with the almighty: Culture Minister

Lalit Kala Akademi celebrated its 65th Foundation Day on August 5 at the Lalit Kala Art Galleries of Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi. Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Government of India, inaugurated the ceremony.

Inaugurating the programme, the Chief Guest Prahlad Singh Patel, Culture & Tourism Minister of State (Independent Charge), Government of India, congratulated the Akademi for this achievement and said, "This is also an important moment when we can assess the journey of 64 years of LKA on how it has done in its chosen path to achieve the vision it was constituted upon. The Government of India and Ministry of Culture applaud the Akademi for the efforts it has put in promoting not only the modern and contemporary Indian arts but also the ancient ones".

Citing arts as an exercitation, he said, "It is a way to connect with the God. So, you must realise that this practice will consist of positivity, hard work and curiosity. Hence, I firmly believe that we all must work together in order to achieve whatever aims and purposes the Akademi has for the arts." He also mentioned about the ongoing Cultural Mapping project by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Marking the 150th birth anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019, the programme began with a musical bhajan presentation followed by felicitation of the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour of the event with bouquet and citation, by the LKA Chairman, Dr Uttam Pacharne. Members of Akademi's General Council were also felicitated on this occasion.

The ceremony also witnessed the gracious presence of the Chairman, National Monument Authority, Tarun Vijay and Director General, NGMA, Adwait Gannayak. A live painting demonstration by eminent artists Vasudeo Kamath and Ravindra Salve was performed. 'Mithila Ki Lokchitrakala' a book by Avdhesh Aman was also launched at the event.

Expressing his heartfelt happiness and gratitude, LKA Chairman, Uttam Pacharne reiterated the glorious history and journey of the Akademi and congratulated the Akademi team, artists, and eminent personalities of the art fraternity.

He stated that the Akademi has entered its 65th year today and this year will be dedicated to the women artists of India.

Celebrating the 65th Foundation Day, the Akademi has organised various events including a Women Artists Camp and an exhibition of eminent women artists' paintings from Akademi's permanent collection. The Akademi has also put on display a unique exhibition of post-cards dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces.

The exhibitions at the LKA Galleries of Rabindra Bhawan will remain open for public viewing till August 12, 2019, from 11 am to 7 pm daily.