President Murmu presents Lalit Kala Akademi awards in New Delhi

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Lalit Kala Akademi awards during the 65th National Exhibition of Art in New Delhi. The ceremony honored selected artists and winners from the 3rd Print Biennale India, 2026.

Addressing the event, President Murmu described art as a ‘mirror of culture’ that reflects societal memories, present experiences, and future aspirations. She emphasized the importance of bridging traditional and modern practices by providing artists from remote and tribal areas with training in new technologies and contemporary techniques.

To help these artists compete on national and international stages, the President called for increased economic support, better market access, and connections with art collectors. She specifically highlighted the need to support folk and tribal art forms, such as Saura, Sohrai, Madhubani, and Gond paintings, ensuring that artists residing in interior regions can reach broader platforms beyond metropolitan cities.