The esteemed Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, graced the ‘Impression & Expressions – HC Rai Memorial Art Fest’ with his presence, accompanied by MLA Harish Janartha and Anup Kumar Rattan, AG. The Chief Minister lauded the organizers for their dedication to preserving the rich tradition of art, especially in showcasing the works of four generations of artists. He expressed his admiration for all the artists present, taking special note of Kewal Krishna Kamra’s contribution by personally signing a book in his honour.
The event was marked by a gesture of appreciation from the Secretary of Abhivyakti, Ms. Amala Rai, who presented the Hon’ble CM and Janartha with a painting and a souvenir mug as tokens of respect. Keeping her commitment, Ms. Rai also handed over a cheque of ₹22,750 to the Hon’ble CM, pledging 25% of the sales proceeds to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, from the sales of the last year’s centenary celebrations.
The ‘HC Rai Centenary ArtFest – 2023,’ held from October 18 to 22, 2023, at Shimla’s iconic Gaiety Theatre Complex, was a resounding success, celebrating the life and legacy of Himachal’s beloved artist, HC Rai. The event featured an expansive exhibition of 350 artworks, including oil and watercolour landscapes, portraits, pastels, miniatures, batik paintings, and tempera, showcasing Rai’s diverse mastery.
As the founding principal of Himachal’s first Government Art College in Nahan, established in 1961, Rai’s influence continues to inspire, drawing alumni from across the globe to partake in the ArtFest. The festival included seminars, workshops for all age groups, and live art sessions at Mall Road and The Ridge, which received overwhelming praise from locals and tourists alike. The event is supported by the Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh, and featured the works of distinguished artists such as Shri HC Rai, Prof. Him Chatterjee, Prof. Ranjan Mallik, Kewal Krishna Kamra, Jagjit Singh, Danny Balbir Singh, and Aditya Singh Thakur.
