More than 35,000 artists and students converged at Kartavya Path on Friday, creating a world record for the largest live canvas painting. The 10-kilometre-long painting, themed “Viksit Bharat Ke Rang, Kala Ke Sang”, was part of a mega art event organised by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The event, a part of the “Seva Parv” fortnight, saw participants paint their visions of a developed India, breaking the previous record held by Panama.
The previous record for the “most artists contributing to the same painting simultaneously” was 5,084, set in Panama in 2014. The NDMC event, a collaboration with Triveni Kala Sangam and Delhi University, surpassed this, with a massive turnout of over 35,000 participants. The event, which was inaugurated by several Union Ministers, was hailed as a historic moment for art and unity. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju noted the ‘beyond imagination’ vision of thousands of youth painting together.
Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated the event was not just a record but an effort to strengthen the resolve for a developed India. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called the event a “remarkable creative confluence”, bringing together the dreams of youth from across India. She highlighted the timing, coinciding with the “Seva Parv” on the occasion of the Prime Minister’s birthday.
The Chief Minister said that the responsibility of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ truly lies with the youth - the kind of India and the kind of future they wish to shape. Through this initiative, the effort to connect the Sewa Pakhwada (service fortnight) with every citizen has been both praiseworthy and historic. She further urged the younger generation to make meaningful contributions to the nation through small actions in their daily lives - whether by participating in cleanliness drives, taking steps towards greenery and environmental conservation, assisting the needy and underprivileged, observing traffic rules, or engaging in social service.
She noted that such small yet significant actions, when taken collectively, will elevate the nation’s progress and pride to even greater heights. The event drew participation from Padma and Padma Vibhushan awardees and senior artists from various states, showcasing a diverse representation of Indian art and talent. The dignitaries present felicitated these renowned artists for their contributions. The dignitaries also felicitated these artists for their contribution in the field of various types of arts.
