SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION 2022-23 OF LALIT KALA ACADEMY AT PUNJAB KALA BHAVAN CHANDIGARH ON 22.03.2023 AT 5.30PM

I am happy to be here today at the Annual Art Exhibition organised by the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Academy. 
We in India have a grand tradition of highly refined art, backed by theories and forms mentioned in our ancient texts. 
Encyclopedic treatise like the second century Natyashastra continue to influence the performing arts in contemporary India. References to instrumental and vocal music abound in Vedic literature while the Shilpashastras point to a long unbroken tradition of visual and plastic arts. Practitioners of these arts find themselves going back to these texts even today. 
Visual and performing arts are intertwined with the intangible cultural heritage of our nation. They must be preserved as they shape our national identity.
Cave paintings are the earliest evidence of the art of painting. Rock shelters that served as the abode of paintings thousands of years back have been found in Australia and South America.
In India too, the Ajanta and Ellora cave paintings which date back to a period about 2000 to 2500 years ago are the finest surviving examples of ancient art. These particularly expressive paintings, present the emotions through gesture, pose and form, in all their entirety.
Paintings depicting the past lives and rebirths of the Buddha, pictorial tales from Aryasura’s Jatakamala, and rock- cut sculptures of Buddhist deities figure chiefly in the Ajanta Ellora caves.
Friends,
Indian cities have been blessed with diverse and vast cultural heritage.
I have served Tamil Naidu as the Governor of the State before coming to Punjab.
The Sittanavasal village of Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu is a home to many cave paintings that date back to the 7th century Common Era.
Similarly, the Bengal School of Art was an influential style of art that flourished in India during the British Raj in the early 20th century. It was associated with Indian nationalism.
Abanindranath painted a number of works influenced by Mughal art, a style that he believed was expressive of India's distinct spiritual qualities, as opposed to the "materialism" of the West. His best-known painting, Bharat Mata (Mother India), depicted a young woman, portrayed with four arms in the manner of Hindu deities, holding objects symbolic of India's national aspirations.
Amrita Sher-Gill, Nandalal Bose are other eminent artists of the 20th century who are respected and whose works have won great acclaim and recognition in India and abroad.
Talking of Chandigarh, I would say that it is rightly called as the Cultural Capital of the region. Many artists and writers live in the city. The frequently held exhibitions, and performances by singers, dancers, musicians and actors have inculcated among city residents a desire for the best in performing visual and plastic arts besides literary encounters.  
People of tricity have seen Chandigarh Lalit Kala Academy contributing significant hues in the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav by holding exhibitions and art workshops and lectures of eminent artists of international repute.
The Academy beautifully used city festivals like Chandigarh Carnival, Rose Festival and Kalagram Folk Art Festival as ideal occasions for promoting the cause of art and the artist.
The Annual Art Exhibition of the Academy is an ideal platform for the young aspiring artists and students to share the aura of their creative urge with the people who value art.
Friends,
Artists devote their entire life to perfecting their craft, and therefore, it is important to recognize and honour their artistic endeavours. Awarding excellence helps set a benchmark for other upcoming artists and helps in the promotion and restoration of those art forms.
The organisation of art exhibitions and award ceremonies  I believe, promote art and aesthetics in the society as well as to reward the extraordinary talents to perform even better in future. The exhibition brings together the works of brilliance from across the country and also encourages budding art talents to learn new tendencies and mediums in the world of painting, sculpture, graphics,  drawing, multimedia etc.
Friends,
The Exhibition of Art is more than just an exercise in participation and contribution of the art practitioners. It ideates the truth that art is more than a mere conversation between art lovers and artists; It is a BOND between the initiator and the spectator.
I heartily  congratulate all the award winners  and the artists whose works will enlighten the art lovers in this prestigious exhibition.
I appreciate the efforts of the jury of international eminence that selected the works for awards in the exhibition.
Before we part, I would like to share with you something from the life of the famous Bulgarian painter Zlatyu (Z-la-tyu) Boyadzhiev(Boy-aa-jiv). Hundreds of paintings were made by him using his right hand as done normally. His right hand was subsequently paralyzed. But the indomitable spirit in him, made him to paint using his left hand and those beautiful paintings were displayed at National Art Gallery in Bulgaria to reveal the excellence. This made me realize, that constructive genius cannot be hampered by a physical defect, as the power comes from inside to make one to go ahead with the mission of his life.
So, I would like to suggest Chandigarh Lalit Kala Academy, if possible,  to have a special programme to attract differently abled creative persons to participate in art competitions. Let us recognize and nurture their talents and create a forum for these artists to meet elevated minds for triggering their thoughts. 
Finally, I would say that let us all enrich our lives by learning, appreciating and promoting various art forms around us. I would like to appeal to educational institutions to give equal importance to art subjects in their curriculum. 
I also urge parents to encourage their children to learn any of the art form they are inclined towards. Exposure to creativity and art at an early age will help children become more aware of their surroundings and help them lead a more meaningful life.
I congratulate Chandigarh Lalit Kala Academy team and all the artists who have participated in the exhibition. May you be greeted with success in all your endeavours!
Thank you,
Jai Hind.