Art in the Heart of the Capital: Shri Keshav Chandra & Shri Kuljeet Singh Chahal Unveil Renovated ‘Srijan Art Gallery’ at Nehru Park

Mahesh Chandra - Delhi

A vibrant step led by NDMC towards cultural transformation in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047

In line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 to promote art and culture by creating vibrant public platforms for artistic expression, Shri Keshav Chandra, Chairperson, NDMC, and Shri Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Vice Chairperson, NDMC, today jointly inaugurated the newly renovated ‘Srijan Art Gallery’ at Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri. This initiative reflects NDMC’s deep commitment to fostering creative communities and accessible cultural infrastructure in the heart of the national capital.

Shri Chahal informed that the inauguration ceremony was graced by several eminent personalities from the art world. He said Shri Rameshwar Broota, one of India’s most respected contemporary artists, was present as the Chief Guest, and Padma Shri Biman Bihari Das, Padma Shri Jai Prakash Lakhiwal, and Shri Harsh Vardhan Sharma, Advisor (Art & Culture, NDMC), attended as Guests of Honour.

Shri Chahal said that one of the key highlights of the event was the live painting sessions by Padma awardees and celebrated artists, which offered the public a rare opportunity to witness the artistic process in real-time. He added that the gallery also features an impressive collection of artworks available for public viewing and direct purchase by acclaimed artists such as Praveen Upadhye, Kalicharan Gupta, Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Jai Zharotia, Sanjay Ashtapure, Anil Gaikwad, Shrikant Kadam, Sabai Khan, Anu Naik, M.D. Soleman, Rajesh Chand, Sanjib Gogai, Ravindra Salve, Manish Pushkle, Rohit Sharma, Kishore Roy, and others.

Shri Chahal informed that the Srijan Artists’ Corner, originally inaugurated in 1999 as a 172.50 sq. meter open-air art space, has now been transformed into the modernized ‘Srijan Art Gallery’, significantly expanded and upgraded with new amenities and enhanced design features.

Shri Chahal said that the revamped gallery now includes a dedicated entry gate, curated Art Display Corner, landscaped gazebos, improved public seating arrangements, and an expanded open area of approximately 15,225 sq. meters, making it a spacious and inviting venue for artists and visitors alike.

Shri Chahal informed that the civil renovation work carried out at the site included the installation of Gwalior stone flooring, construction of stainless steel railings, replacement of polycarbonate roofing, installation of benches, SS dustbins, signage, and comprehensive repainting and structural improvements across the gallery area.

Shri Chahal said that the mission of Srijan Art Gallery is to democratize access to art by bringing it into open, accessible spaces — moving the art experience beyond traditional museums and auditoriums. He emphasized that the gallery serves as a refreshing cultural retreat, with free public entry, artist-public interaction, and direct purchase of artworks.

Shri Chahal said that in line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to build a culturally vibrant and developed India, NDMC has adopted a comprehensive action plan to promote art, culture, and heritage across its jurisdiction. He informed that a dedicated Art & Culture Department was established in May 2025, with a budget allocation of ?40 crore, approximately 1% of NDMC’s annual expenditure.

Shri Chahal said that to provide institutional support to these cultural efforts, NDMC has constituted an Urban Arts and Culture Forum through a formal Council Resolution. He stated that the forum is tasked with driving NDMC’s artistic and cultural agenda through strategic outreach, curated programs, and policy execution.

Shri Chahal informed that in todays programme our Chief Guest - Shri Rameshwar Broota, One of India’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, Shri Rameshwar Broota is known for his powerful figurative works that explore the human condition. Head of the Department at Triveni Kala Sangam since 1984, he is celebrated for his unique scratching technique and allegorical series such as Man and Scripted in Time. His work reflects deep social commentary and timeless spiritual themes.

He said where as the Guests of Honour are - Padma Shri Biman Bihari Das, a renowned sculptor and art educator, Padma Shri Biman Bihari Das has served as Principal at premier art institutions including the College of Art, Delhi and Kolkata. A Fulbright Fellow and recipient of multiple national awards, his contributions to Indian fine arts span across academia, practice, and public art installations.

And Padma Shri Jai Prakash Lakhiwal, a distinguished artist with over three decades of experience, Padma Shri Jai Prakash is known for blending traditional Indian themes with modern techniques. His works are featured at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Supreme Court, and have been presented to dignitaries like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Barack Obama. His international exhibitions reflect India’s artistic excellence on the global stage.

He informed that participating Artist (Live Painting): Shri Praveen Upadhye, hailing from Karnataka, Shri Praveen Upadhye is celebrated for his spiritually themed Brahmachari series. Drawing inspiration from ashram life and temple rituals, his works—crafted in watercolor and acrylic—portray simplicity, serenity, and devotion. His art has been exhibited across India and abroad, and is admired for its keen observation and calm aesthetic.

Shri Chahal said that this initiative marks a significant milestone in NDMC’s cultural evolution — positioning New Delhi not only as a symbol of administrative efficiency but also as a centre of creativity and cultural excellence, aligned with the larger national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Besides prominent artists and sculptors, Heads of Departments from NDMC’s Civil, Electrical, and Horticulture departments were also present on the occasion, showcasing a collaborative effort across disciplines to support and enhance the city’s cultural and aesthetic environment.