The Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art under the Ministry of Culture, proudly concluded its 65th National Exhibition of Art with a grand valedictory ceremony held on 29th September 2026 at the Lalit Kala Art Galleries, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi. This annual exhibition continues to be one of the most prestigious platforms for contemporary artists across the nation, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of Indian art.
Honouring the Award Winners
The Akademi announced the awardees whose works stood out for their creativity, innovation, and mastery across multiple disciplines. The winners represent the evolving landscape of Indian art, from traditional forms to experimental expressions.
Awardees include:
- Sculpture: Chandra Shekhar Sain, Nidhi Chopra, Nimai Singh Sarungbam, Pooja Rajpoot, Raviram Ramakrishnan, Santa Deb
- Painting: Gopal Chandra Naskar, Kishor Kumar Narkhediwala, Mrinal Dey, Praveen Kumar, Rajendra Prasad, Ramesh Vithal Thorat, Sanjay Kumar, Sanjay Kumar Sahani, Sanjib Kumar Gogoi, Siddhartha Shahirajrao Shingade, Usharanjan Mandal, Vijender Sharma
- Printmaking: Pritam Madhukar Deuskar
- Drawing: Pankaj Kumar Sharma
Each of these artists has contributed to enriching the cultural fabric of India, bringing forth works that reflect both personal vision and collective heritage.
The Valedictory Ceremony
The closing ceremony was marked by elegance and reverence, with dignitaries, art lovers, and fellow practitioners gathering to celebrate the achievements of the awardees. The event not only honoured individual excellence but also reaffirmed the Akademi’s role in nurturing and promoting artistic talent nationwide.
A Platform for Contemporary Voices
The 65th edition of the National Exhibition of Art highlighted the Akademi’s commitment to providing a stage for diverse artistic voices. From bold strokes on canvas to intricate sculptures, the exhibition was a testament to the evolving dialogue between tradition and modernity in Indian art.