Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today graced the award ceremony of the 65th National Exhibition of Art and the 3rd Print Biennale India 2026, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism and Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, were present on the occasion, along with senior officials, artists and members of the cultural fraternity.
The award ceremony recognised the outstanding contributions of artists to India’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary visual arts, with awards presented to selected artists as part of the 65th National Exhibition of Art and the 3rd Print Biennale India 2026.
The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, welcomed the Hon’ble President and presented her with a Gond painting as a token of gratitude, reflecting the richness of India’s indigenous artistic traditions. A special film showcasing the journey of the Lalit Kala Akademi and the evolution of the National Exhibition of Art since its inception in 1955 was also screened on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, highlighted India’s rich and diverse artistic heritage, describing art as a mirror of the country’s culture, traditions and civilisational journey. She emphasised the importance of preserving traditional art forms and highlighted printmaking as a significant tradition of artistic expression.
The Hon’ble President also highlighted the role of exhibitions and biennales in encouraging dialogue and the exchange of ideas among artists. She appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Culture in creating opportunities for the promotion and wider reach of artworks and integrating artists into the creative economy.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, appreciated the Lalit Kala Akademi for providing a national platform for artists to showcase their work and celebrate India’s artistic diversity. He highlighted the distinctive vision and creative expression reflected in every artwork, representing the artist’s unique perspective and imagination. He emphasised that this diversity of artistic expression enriches the world of art and strengthens India’s vibrant creative traditions.
Drawing on his experience of witnessing printmaking practices during the inauguration of the Print Biennale, the Union Minister highlighted the significance of printmaking as a medium that combines technical expertise with artistic innovation. He noted that platforms such as the National Exhibition of Art and the Print Biennale support artistic exchange, strengthen international connections and enhance the global visibility of Indian art.
Linking India’s cultural growth with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, Shri Shekhawat underscored the importance of Sanskriti Samriddhi and Indian creativity in the country’s development journey. He also highlighted the integration of artwork sales into the programme as an important step towards expanding opportunities for artists, strengthening their livelihoods and advancing India’s creative economy.
In his address, Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, traced the journey of the Lalit Kala Akademi since its establishment in 1954 and the evolution of the National Exhibition of Art, which began at Jaipur House in 1955 with approximately 1,200 entries.
Highlighting the scale of the 65th National Exhibition of Art, he noted that this year’s edition received 6,175 artworks from 2,495 artists representing 27 States and Union Territories. A total of 270 artworks were selected for exhibition, and 20 artists were chosen for the Awards.
Shri Aggarwal also highlighted the importance of the Print Biennale in promoting printmaking, encouraging experimentation and facilitating interaction between Indian and international artists. He emphasised the Akademi’s continued efforts to expand public engagement with art, nurture emerging talent and create opportunities for artists to connect with wider audiences.
The Ministry of Culture will organise India Biennale 2026 from December 4, 2026, to March 21, 2027, across monuments and heritage sites in Delhi. The initiative will provide a platform for artistic expression and engagement with India’s cultural heritage, bringing contemporary creativity into dialogue with the country’s historic spaces.
The Biennale will further strengthen opportunities for artists to showcase their work, promote creative exchange and enhance public engagement with art and heritage.
The award ceremony reaffirmed the importance of preserving India’s diverse artistic traditions while encouraging contemporary creativity, wider recognition for artists and the integration of art into the country’s cultural and creative economy.
