Lalit Kala Akademi Awards 2026: 20 Artists Honoured at the 65th National Exhibition of Art

Why in News?

• The Lalit Kala Akademi has conferred the Lalit Kala Akademi Awards on 20 artists at the 65th National Exhibition of Art (NEA). 
• The artists were recognised for their contributions to painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and other contemporary visual art forms. 
• This year’s National Exhibition of Art brought together artists from across the country, showcasing the diversity and creative experimentation in contemporary Indian art. 

20 Lalit Kala Akademi Award Winners

About Lalit Kala Akademi

• Lalit Kala Akademi is one of India's premier national academies dedicated to the promotion of visual arts. 
• It aims to encourage artists, promote artistic experimentation and provide a national platform for diverse forms of artistic expression. 
• Through the National Exhibition of Art, the Akademi provides established as well as emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their creative work. 
• Established: 5 August 1954 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Education. 
• Inaugurated by: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Education Minister. 
• Headquarters: Ravindra Bhavan, Mandi House, New Delhi. 
• Administrative Status: An autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. 
• Major Regional Centres: Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Garhmukteshwar (Kolkata), Lucknow, Shimla and Ahmedabad. 

Major Functions and Activities

1. National Exhibition of Art: Organises annual national-level exhibitions showcasing outstanding works of art. 
2. National Awards: Honours artists for excellence in Indian art through the National Lalit Kala Awards and Akademi Fellowships. 
3. Scholarships and Grants: Provides financial support to young and emerging artists for study and artistic practice. 
4. Art Galleries and Workshops: Provides exhibition spaces and organises workshops on areas such as printmaking, sculpture and other visual art practices.

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