Lalit Kala Akademi celebrates 65th foundation day

Lalit Kala Akademi celebrated its 65th Foundation Day. Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, inaugurated the ceremony.

Inaugurating the programme, Patel 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 lauded the efforts LKA has put in promoting not only the contemporary art but also the ancient ones.” Citing arts as an exercise, he said, “It is a way to connect with the god. Meera did it by singing hymns, Tulsidas did it through his writings and artists do so through creations. So you must realise that the practice will consist of positivity, hard work and curiosity. Hence, I firmly believe that we all must work together in order to achieve the objective and purpose.”

Guest of honour for the ceremony and founder of Sanskar Bharati, Padma Shri awardee Baba Yogendra ji said, “Indian arts and its cultural legacy have a glorious and centuries long history. It feels great that LKA is trying its best to conserve it. Guest of honour and the member-secretary, IGNCA, Sachchidanand Joshi expressed his happiness on the occasion and said, “No arts thrive until it makes itself a relevant representation of its society and people. This is a matter of utmost happiness that the undertakings by LKA are proving themselves capable of doing so.”

Expressing his heartfelt happiness and gratitude, LKA chairman, Uttam Pacharne reiterated the journey of the akademi and congratulated team, artists, and eminent personalities of the art fraternity. He stated that this year will be dedicated to the women artists of the country. Mentioning about LKA’s forthcoming events — the Triennale India, International Print Biennale and much more, he said, “We are trying to put these events at the earliest. Apart from that, we are also working to put a triennale focussing solely on the tribal and folk arts of India so that it could reach to global masses.”

LKA organised various events including a Women-Artists Camp and an exhibition of eminent women artists’ paintings from akademi’s permanent collection. It has also put on display a unique exhibition of post-cards dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces. 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. Artists, art critics, students and art lovers in a big number attended the programme.

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