JAMMU: Commissioner Secretary, Culture, K. Ramesh Kumar, inaugurated a three day art exhibition titled “Art Chronicle” by renowned artist Neena Sood at Kala Kendra this afternoon.
The exhibition is being organised by the Kala Kendra Society, Jammu which showcases a collection of 22 artworks by the artist.
The event was graced by several distinguished personalities including Padma Shri Rajinder Tickoo; Secretary, JKAACL, Harvinder Kour; Secretary, Kala Kendra Society, Dr. Javaid Rahi and eminent artist Bhushan Kesar, who were part of the presidium.
In his inaugural address, K. Ramesh Kumar commended Neena Sood for her outstanding artistic contributions and expressed confidence that the exhibition will inspire and engage budding artists. He highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s rich artistic legacy, naming eminent artists like G. R. Santosh, Master Sansar Chand, Triloki Koul and Ratan Parimoo. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards promoting visual arts.
The Commissioner Secretary also announced plans to develop Kala Kendra into a vibrant hub for art and culture, ensuring that it becomes a premier venue for artistic activities in the region.
Responding to artists’ concerns, he assured that the long-awaited revival of the art studio for local artists would be initiated soon.
Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Rajinder Tickoo, highlighted the immense artistic potential in Jammu & Kashmir and urged stakeholders to create more national and international opportunities for artists to showcase their work.
Harvinder Kour, reiterated JKAACL’s efforts to revive annual art exhibitions in Jammu & Kashmir. She stressed the significance of such platforms in preserving and promoting artistic traditions.
Dr. Javaid Rahi emphasized that the primary objective of the exhibition is to promote local artists in the field of visual arts. He lauded Neena Sood’s artistic vision and expressed Kala Kendra Society’s commitment to supporting emerging talent.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sanjeev Sood on behalf of Neena Sood, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, guests and participants for their support.
The exhibition was graced by the presence of several prominent personalities, including Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Commissioner, Transport Department; Seema Shekhar Kajuria, Former Advocate General; Sanjeev Rana, Additional Secretary, JKAACL; Sangeeta Sharma, Deputy Director, Archives; Prof. Poonam Dhawan, Dean Academic Affairs, Cluster University of Jammu, along with several art enthusiasts and dignitaries from various fields.
The Art Chronicle exhibition will be open to the public for three days from 8th to 10th February, 2025 from 12 noon to 5.00. p.m., offering art lovers an opportunity to experience the rich and diverse artistic expressions showcased by Neena Sood.