President Droupadi Murmu presented Lalit Kala Akademi awards to selected artists of the 65th National Exhibition of Art at a ceremony in New Delhi on October 21, 2026, according to an official release from Rashtrapati Bhavan. She additionally felicitated Grand Prize winners and Honourable Mentions from the 3rd Print Biennale India 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who welcomed the President with a Gond painting, and Ministry of Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal attended the event organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi. Murmu described the occasion as a celebration of India’s artistic heritage, cultural diversity and contemporary creativity.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that this award presentation ceremony is a celebration of India’s artistic heritage, cultural diversity, and contemporary creativity. “Through this event, we are celebrating the rich tradition of India’s diverse arts, its creative energy, and its ever-evolving artistic expressions,” she added according to the release. Murmu noted that art is not limited to paintings on a canvas, sculptures carved from stone or works created through various other mediums, adding that art is a reflection of culture that captures memories, present experiences and future aspirations. She stressed that art should not be confined to galleries but should reach schools, universities, public spaces and broader segments of society.
The President called for ample opportunities for young and emerging artists to develop their talent, explore new mediums and expand their creative potential, a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement indicated. She emphasised the need to equip traditional artists in remote areas with training in new technologies and contemporary art techniques so they can showcase their skills on wider platforms. Murmu expressed appreciation for efforts by the Lalit Kala Akademi and the Ministry of Culture to encourage artwork sales, improve market access for artists and provide financial support alongside creative opportunities.
Lalit Kala Akademi figures show that the 65th National Exhibition of Art received around 2,495 entries from 27 states and union territories, encompassing more than 6,175 artworks.[[1]](https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-sculptor-nidhi-chopra-ravindra-roy-receive-national-art-awards-by-president-droupadi-murmu-video) After two rounds of selection, 270 artworks were chosen for the exhibition while 20 artists received national awards. Bhopal-based sculptor Nidhi Chopra was among those honoured for her ceramic artwork Tangible Dreams, with the release confirming President Murmu handed out the awards in person.
Ravindra Roy received the Grand Prize at the 3rd Print Biennale India 2026 for his work Operation Sindoor, as the President also recognised other winners including Annabelle Schenk of France, Basavarajachar KR of India, Dariusz Kaca of Poland and Minho Kim of Korea. The biennale component highlighted printmaking excellence alongside the broader exhibition that spans painting, sculpture, drawing and other media. An official account from the Ministry of Culture documented the event as one that honoured outstanding artists while underscoring India’s rich artistic traditions.
