Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated an exhibition of artworks created during the art camp on “Folk and rural imagery in Kangra miniatures: An indigenous Indian art perspective” in Shimla. He also officially opened the newly established Art Gallery at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) on Friday.
Governor’s Remarks on Cultural Identity
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor emphasized that the true identity of any civilization is not solely defined by its economic prosperity but by its cultural quality, creative consciousness, and respect for its heritage. He described the exhibition as not merely a display of paintings but a celebration of India’s living cultural heritage.
Praise for IIAS Initiative
Congratulating the IIAS for this significant initiative, the Governor noted that the institute has long been a leading center for high-quality research, intellectual reflection, and discourse on issues of national importance. “Its commitment to the preservation of Indian culture, knowledge traditions, and cultural heritage is highly commendable,” he said. He added that the institute has successfully provided a common platform where scholars, artists, artisans, and students can engage in meaningful dialogue between tradition and knowledge.
The Governor observed that Indian art is founded not merely on aesthetics but also on knowledge, spirituality, folk life, and cultural memory. Inspired by nature, folklore, sacred texts, festivals, and everyday life, Indian artists create works that connect generations and keep society rooted in its cultural foundations.
Kangra Miniature Tradition
Speaking about the Kangra miniature tradition, the Governor said it occupies a distinguished position among India’s great artistic traditions. “This refined expression of the Pahari school of painting reached its zenith under the patronage of Raja Sansar Chand. Its delicate lines, intricate brushwork, harmonious use of colors, evocative natural landscapes, and profound portrayal of human emotions have earned it a place among the world’s finest painting traditions,” he remarked.
Welcoming the gathering, Prof Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director of IIAS, described the art camp as an innovative initiative aimed at fostering dialogue between academic scholarship and living artistic traditions. The event highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous art forms.
