The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Friday inaugurated the ‘Srijan Art Gallery’ at Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri.
The gallery was jointly unveiled by NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra and Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal in the presence of Padma Shri awardees, eminent artists, and art enthusiasts.
The open-air event featured live painting demonstrations by renowned artists. The gallery, located within the park premises, is envisioned as a dedicated space for young artists to showcase their work.
Among those present during the inauguration were acclaimed painter Rameshwar Broota and Padma Jai Prakash Lakhiwal.
Speaking at the event, Chahal said, “Delhi is the heart of the country, and New Delhi is the heart of Delhi. New Delhi is known for its artists, and this art gallery is an initiative towards consolidating the artists in the city.”
Chandra underlined NDMC’s broader civic and cultural responsibilities. “The work of a municipality ranges from sanitation to the development of art. We have to carry all these responsibilities together, and this Srijan Art Gallery is one such initiative in that direction.”
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He added that NDMC wants art to be integrated into various public spaces, and that the process for this has already begun. “New and young aspiring artists should be given such spaces where they can showcase their work, and that is why NDMC is planning similar initiatives in Lodhi Colony and Central Market.”
Praising the initiative, Padma Shri recipient Biman Bihar Das said, “A country is known by its art, and our country is not short of it. This art gallery is a significant step in bringing artists together.”
Harshvardhan Sharma, Advisor (Art and Culture), NDMC, called the moment significant. “It is a big occasion for artists as they are getting a platform. Thinking about artists and working for them is a slow process, and now that process has come true.”
A visitor said, “It is a great initiative. Giving upcoming artists a space like this not only helps them grow but also makes public places like this feel more alive. I hope NDMC spreads this to other parks and markets also.”
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Digvijay Singh, a visitor and art enthusiast, said, “It’s really nice to see something like this in a public space. Young artists need opportunities like this, and it is good someone is thinking about them.”
(Sharmistha Shivhare is an intern with The Indian Express)