Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday inaugurated an art exhibition and a newly set up Art Gallery at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, featuring works from the camp “Folk and Rural Imagery in Kangra Miniatures: An Indigenous Indian Art Perspective.”
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that a civilisation is best defined by its cultural richness and creative awareness rather than economic strength alone. He described the exhibition as a reflection of India’s living traditions rather than a mere display of artwork.
He appreciated IIAS for its continued efforts in promoting research, dialogue and preservation of Indian knowledge systems and cultural heritage. He said the institute has created a meaningful space where scholars, artists and students can come together to connect tradition with contemporary understanding.
Quoting Rabindranath Tagore, the Governor said that culture represents the depth of human thought and art expresses its most refined form. He highlighted India’s long artistic journey, from prehistoric cave paintings and classical murals to regional schools of painting and sculpture, all of which continue to remain relevant.
The Governor observed that Indian art is deeply connected with spirituality, folklore, nature and everyday rural life. He said traditional artists act as preservers of collective memory and cultural identity, especially at a time when rapid modernisation is reshaping lifestyles.
Focusing on the Kangra miniature tradition, he said it is one of the finest expressions of the Pahari style, which flourished under Raja Sansar Chand. He noted its elegance, fine detailing and emotional depth, inspired by classical texts like the Gita Govinda, Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana.
He added that the exhibition captures rural and folk life through Kangra art, reinforcing that villages remain the core of India’s cultural foundation. He called for stronger efforts to preserve traditional art forms by supporting artists and integrating heritage with sustainable livelihoods.
IIAS Director Prof. Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi said the art camp was aimed at bridging academic research with living traditions of art. He said participating artists depicted rural life, festivals and Himachal’s cultural heritage through Kangra miniature and Chamba Rumal art. He expressed hope that the new gallery would become a major centre for cultural learning and research.
The Governor also honoured participating artists with certificates and toured the gallery after the inauguration. He was felicitated by the institute with a traditional Himachali shawl, cap and mementoes.
The art camp, organised from June 15 to 19, featured leading Kangra miniature painters and Chamba Rumal artists, whose works will be preserved in the institute’s permanent collection and displayed in the new gallery.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
