The 65th National Exhibition of Art, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, was held on September 29, 2026, in New Delhi. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India; Shri K.K. Mishra, Joint Secretary (Akademies), Ministry of Culture; and Shri Rajeev Kumar, Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi, along with Padma Shri awardees Shri Sudharak Olwe, Shri Sudarshan Patnaik, and Shri Ashok Kumar Vishwas were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries viewed artworks created from waste materials during the ‘Seva Hi Sanskriti’ workshops organised at various centres of the Lalit Kala Akademi.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the significance of bringing together creativity and sustainability. He said that the ‘Seva Hi Sanskriti’ initiative, organised on the occasion of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s birthday, demonstrates how creativity and the spirit of service can come together meaningfully. He appreciated the Lalit Kala Akademi’s efforts across its various verticals, including the ‘Waste to Wonder’ initiative, which gives discarded materials a new artistic expression and highlights the role of art in promoting sustainability.
Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, highlighted the importance of providing wider opportunities and greater visibility to artists and contemporary Indian art. He invited members of the public, art enthusiasts and visitors to view the 65th National Exhibition of Art at Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi, which has been extended until October 31, 2026. He encouraged people to visit the exhibition and experience the diverse artistic expressions and contemporary trends represented by artists from across the country.
Shri Rajeev Kumar, Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi, highlighted the national reach and evolution of the National Exhibition of Art. He said that the 65th edition received more than 6,000 entries, out of which 270 artists were selected through a two-tier jury process. He also highlighted the awards presented as part of the exhibition and the Akademi’s continued efforts to recognise and promote artistic talent from across the country.
A monograph on Abdul Aziz Raiba, edited by Shri Ram Gopal Khadilkar, was also released on the occasion. An eminent modern Indian painter, Raiba was known for his bold lines, vibrant colours and distinctive fusion of Indian traditional and modern art.
During the programme, the Union Minister felicitated 20 award-winning artists. The awards recognise their creative contributions to the field of Indian visual arts.
Following the programme, the Chief Guest and other dignitaries visited the National Exhibition of Art at the Lalit Kala Gallery. The exhibition reflects the Lalit Kala Akademi’s continued endeavour to recognise, promote and provide wider visibility to artistic talent from different parts of the country.