SPEECH OF PUNJAB GOVERNOR AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARI LAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION & AWARD GIVING CEREMONY ORGANISED BY CHANDIGARH LALIT KALA AKADEMI AT PUNJAB KALA BHAVAN, SECTOR 16, CHANDIGARH ON JULY 22, 2024.

ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION & AWARD GIVING CEREMONY 2023-24 ON JULY 22, 2024

  • Matter of great honor and privilege to be present at the inauguration of the prestigious Annual Art Exhibition 2023-24, organized by the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi.
  • My heartfelt congratulations to all the artists whose artistic works are being showcased here today.
  • Art has always been a powerful medium, transcending the boundaries of language, culture, and time.
  • It’s nice to see gatherings like these that celebrate the rich tapestry of human creativity and expression.
  • Art has the power to inspire, to heal, and to bring people together.
  • In India, the tradition of art dates back thousands of years; Hindu temples are often adorned with elaborate sculptures and carvings that depict gods, goddesses, and mythological stories.
  • The temples of Khajuraho are renowned for their intricate and expressive stone sculptures that represent various deities and celestial beings, as well as scenes from everyday life.
  • The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu, built during the Chola dynasty, is another masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, showcasing exquisite sculptures and frescoes that highlight the grandeur of Hindu art.
  • The ancient Indian art of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, provides a stunning example of religious and cultural synthesis.
  • The Ajanta caves are famous for their magnificent frescoes and paintings depicting the life of Buddha, while the Ellora caves boast a series of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples carved directly into the rock, reflecting India's rich religious diversity and artistic prowess.
  • Chandigarh has always been a cradle of artistic excellence, and today, the diversity of styles, the depth of expression, and the sheer brilliance of the works displayed here are a testament to the incredible talent that resides within our community.
  • In this Annual Award function, with 230 artists submitting 560 works. Challenging task of selecting 136 works from this pool of exceptional talent.
  • The Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi has provided a wonderful platform for our artists to showcase their work and gain the recognition they so richly deserve.
  • Lalit Kala Akademi is tirelessly making efforts in promoting and nurturing the arts in our city.
  • My heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the Special Jury awards for specially-abled artists: Amardeep Singh Gill and Rehnuma Rani and the  three eminent artists from our city—for their invaluable contributions to the field of art.
  • Let us continue to support and celebrate the arts in all its forms, encourage young artists, and take the time to appreciate the beauty and diversity that art brings into our lives. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also help to foster a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.

 

Thank You,

Jai Hind.