Inauguration of Painting and Sculpture Camp on the Theme "Integrated India - One India"

Udaipur: A painting and sculpture camp organized by the Western Regional Cultural Centre was inaugurated on Saturday, 9 December, at the Sangam Hall of Shilpgram. 

Furkan Khan, Director of the Western Regional Cultural Centre, Udaipur, informed that the centre, known for its constant innovation, began the camp with a ceremonial lamp-lighting. The event commenced with a warm welcome to the guests by the Centre’s Deputy Director, Pawan Amarawat, who presented them with floral bouquets.

The five-day painting camp, based on the theme *“Samagra Bharat - Ek Bharat”* (Social Harmony, Environment, and Folk & Tribal Culture in Painting), was coordinated by Dr. Madan Singh Rathore. In his address, Dr. Rathore explained that the primary objective of the Western Regional Cultural Centre is to showcase the diverse dimensions of art to the public. He emphasized that despite the vast social, economic, and cultural diversity across India, the country remains unified. The participating artists are tasked with capturing this essence on canvas. He further stated that artistic expressions play a vital role in shaping societal narratives and creating curiosity in society.

Hemant Joshi, one of the artists, shared that this was his first time sharing the stage with his mentor, and he expressed his gratitude to the Western Regional Cultural Centre, Udaipur, for providing this opportunity. He mentioned that earlier, musical instrument workshops had also been conducted.

Arun Kumar Sharma, Regional Head of Sanskar Bharati, North-West Region, Rajasthan, noted that transforming a blank canvas or a lifeless stone into a beautiful work of art is the result of an artist’s tireless effort. He added that Shilpgram provides the perfect environment for artists to nurture their creativity. A good artist is recognized not only by their work but also by their humility.

Senior artist and professor, Suresh Sharma, expressed that exchange of ideas between artists would be beneficial not only for the artists but also for the country as a whole. He encouraged collaboration and mutual growth through such initiatives.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Assistant Director of the Centre, Durgesh Chandwani. The program was conducted by Siddhant Bhatnagar.

The Chief Guest for the event was Prof. Suresh Sharma, Senior Artist, and the Special Guest was Arun Kumar Sharma, Regional Head of Sanskar Bharati, North-West Region, Rajasthan. The event was also attended by the coordinators of the Painting Camp, Dr. Madan Singh Rathore, and the Sculpture Camp, Hemant Joshi.

The painting camp will run until 13 November, with around 15 artists from across the country participating. The sculpture camp, which focuses on creating symbols representing zodiac signs, will run for ten days, until 18 November. Twelve artists from various states will be participating in this camp, crafting beautiful zodiac symbols on stones.