Ardee Foundation Celebrates Artistic Legacy at India Art Fair 2026
Established in 1997 by the visionary late Ashok Varma, the Ardee Foundation has consistently championed excellence in both education and the arts. Now under the dynamic leadership of chairperson Shefali Varma, the Foundation continues to flourish, operating at the vital intersection where art, education, and legacy converge to inspire future generations.
The Ardee Legacy Awards: Honoring Tradition, Nurturing Innovation
Deeply rooted in the Foundation's enduring commitment to education, artistic inquiry, and cultural continuity, the prestigious Ardee Legacy Awards serve a dual purpose. They honor the profound and lasting influence of Manjit Bawa, one of India's most significant modern artists, while simultaneously creating meaningful and impactful platforms for emerging voices within contemporary artistic practice.
This year's edition is particularly noteworthy, as it brings together award-winning student creations from leading art institutions across the nation. These works were meticulously selected through a rigorous national competition judged by an eminent panel of experts.
A Curated Dialogue Between Generations
The exhibition, thoughtfully curated by the renowned Ina Puri and featuring scenography by Reha Sodhi, presents a unique artistic conversation. It places these exceptional student works in a thoughtful and deliberate dialogue with original paintings by Manjit Bawa, drawn from the esteemed Ardee Art Collection.
Together, these pieces create a rich, layered, and intergenerational exploration. The show frames legacy not as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing process—one that is continuously shaped by learning, deep reflection, and ongoing artistic engagement.
Voices from the Exhibition
"This presentation transcends a simple retrospective of Manjit Bawa's work," explains curator Ina Puri. "It is about making his vibrant presence felt anew—through the power of his art, the resonance of his music, and his profound engagement with pressing social and spiritual questions. By thoughtfully placing his masterpieces alongside the works of young, talented artists, the exhibition transforms into a living exchange. It reflects the core values of peace, coexistence, and humanism that so definitively shaped his life and artistic practice."
Shefali Varma, chairperson of the Ardee Foundation, adds a powerful perspective on the nature of legacy. "For us, legacy is neither static nor merely retrospective. It is actively sustained through education, open dialogue, and the courage to engage critically with our past. The Ardee Legacy Awards affirm our fundamental belief that artistic thought retains its vitality only when it is shared, questioned, and carried forward with passion by the next generation."
A Vision for Cultural Memory
Presented by the Ardee Foundation, Manjit Bawa: An Enduring Legacy powerfully reaffirms the Foundation's overarching vision. It champions the nurturing of intergenerational dialogue, demonstrating how education and art can work in tandem to sustain the enduring relevance of our shared cultural memory.
Event Details
Exhibition: Manjit Bawa: An Enduring Legacy
Venue: India Art Fair 2026, Institutional Section, Booth N05
Dates: 5–8 February 2026
Presented by: Ardee Foundation
About the Ardee Foundation
Founded in 1997 by the late Shri Ashok Varma, the Ardee Foundation is dedicated to advancing excellence in the fields of education and the arts. Under the steadfast leadership of Shefali Varma, the Foundation continues to operate at the critical crossroads of art, education, and legacy. It fosters critical engagement and nurtures creative growth through pioneering initiatives like the Ardee Legacy Awards.
