Multidisciplinary Cultural Exhibition Ehsaas-e-Qalam aur Pashm Launches at India International Centre
A significant cultural initiative titled Ehsaas-e-Qalam aur Pashm was inaugurated on January 29, 2026, at the prestigious India International Centre in New Delhi. This multidisciplinary exhibition represents a collaborative effort between QCCT, India International Centre (IIC), and EHSAAS, creating a unique platform that bridges visual art, traditional craft, and musical heritage.
Grand Opening with Distinguished Guests and Artistic Performances
The opening evening transformed into an evocative confluence of artistic expressions, bringing together calligraphy, Pashmina craftsmanship, and the soulful strains of Hindustani classical music. The event attracted a distinguished gathering of eminent artists, cultural practitioners, scholars, and guests from diverse professional backgrounds.
Among the notable attendees were:
- Sudhanshu Mittal and Dr. Sudhakar Sharma, former Secretary of Lalit Kala Akademi
- Padma Shri awardees and classical dance gurus Ranjana Gauhar and Shovana Narayan
- Renowned fashion designers Jatin Kochar and Anurag Chauhan
- Raghav Chandra, Managing Director of Audi Delhi South
- Rajdipa Behura, Senior Advocate
- Prof. Niren Sengupta, eminent visual artist and former Principal of Delhi College of Art
- Rashmi Vaidyalingam, Kuchipudi exponent and theatre personality
- Sujaya Krishnan, former Joint Secretary of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Artists including Niladri Paul, Shridhar Iyer, and sculptor Gagan Vij
Curatorial Vision and Exhibition Components
Curated by internationally renowned curator and artist Manisha Gawade, Ehsaas-e-Qalam aur Pashm presents three distinct yet interconnected artistic expressions:
- A solo calligraphy exhibition by acclaimed artist Qamar Dagar
- An exquisite showcase of Pashmina shawls by EHSAAS
- The timeless resonance of Hindustani classical Dhrupad music
The inaugural evening reached its artistic peak with a captivating vocal performance by Padma Shri awardee Ustaad Wasifuddin Dagar, representing the twentieth unbroken generation of the legendary Dagar Gharana. This musical presentation beautifully complemented the visual elements of the exhibition.
Exploring Artistic Dialogue and Cultural Conservation
The exhibition creates a shared aesthetic and philosophical space where words, textiles, and sound intersect meaningfully. Qamar Dagar's calligraphic works employ traditional qalam alongside contemporary mediums like inks and acrylics, engaging deeply with language, form, and emotion. Concepts such as Noor and Anjaam are reimagined through layered visual expressions shaped by intuition, rhythm, and contemplation.
Complementing this visual narrative, the Pashmina display highlights both the richness and fragility of this historic craft tradition. Conceived as a conservation-driven initiative, the exhibition draws urgent attention to the pressing challenges facing Pashmina weaving, including declining demand, shrinking artisan communities, and the risk of cultural erosion.
Documentary Film and Curatorial Statement
The opening featured a specially curated documentary conceptualized by Manisha Gawade, bringing together voices from across disciplines. The film includes contributions from senior visual artists and cultural thinkers such as Anki Bhutia, Vimmi Indra, Sonaali Durga Chaudhri, Durga Kainthola, Shridhar Iyer, Niladri Paul, Prof. Niren Sengupta, Priyendra Shukla, and sculptor Gagan Vij.
The documentary features an Urdu-Hindi script by Safiya Dagar, voice-over by Hurmat Ali Khan, graphics by Abhijeet Kumar, and audio-visual documentation by Umesh Verma, creating a collective dialogue between art, craft, and cultural scholarship.
Speaking about the initiative, curator Manisha Gawade emphasized the urgency of safeguarding India's artistic heritage. "Pashmina is not just a craft; it is a living legacy of extraordinary craftsmanship. Through Ehsaas-e-Qalam aur Pashm, we seek to create a meaningful platform where calligraphy, music and craft walk together, highlighting the urgency of conserving this endangered tradition and supporting the weavers and karigars who are its true custodians," she stated.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until February 8, 2026, offering art enthusiasts and cultural scholars an opportunity to experience this unique convergence of India's rich artistic traditions at the India International Centre in New Delhi.
