President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday presented the Lalit Kala Akademi awards to selected artists of the 65th National Exhibition of Art at a ceremony in the national capital, IANS reported.

Source: IANS

She also felicitated the Grand Prize winners and recipients of Honourable Mentions from the 3rd Print Biennale India, 2026, Nation Press reported in its account of the same ceremony. The President's Secretariat's release on the awards was also listed by the Press Information Bureau among its October 21 releases.

Source: Nation Press

65thedition of the National Exhibition of Art
3rdedition of Print Biennale India, 2026, whose winners were also felicitated
New Delhivenue of the award ceremony

Addressing the gathering, the President described the event as 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 said, IANS reported.

'Art is a reflection of our culture. It reflects the memories, experiences of the present, and aspirations for the future. Art enables us to perceive and understand our times and society from a fresh perspective,' she observed, emphasising that art extends far beyond paintings on canvas or sculptures carved from stone.

Highlighting the need to bridge traditional and modern practices, the President stressed equipping artists from remote areas with training in new technologies and contemporary techniques so they can showcase their skills and compete on wider platforms. She also underlined the practical challenges artists face: beyond creative opportunities, they need financial support, access to broader markets and connections with art collectors, and she expressed satisfaction that the Lalit Kala Akademi and the Ministry of Culture are working to encourage the sale of artworks.

Calling for art to move beyond gallery walls to schools, universities, public spaces and wider sections of society, she said: 'Let us provide ample opportunities to young and emerging artists to develop their talent, explore new mediums, and expand their creative potential.'

Sources: IANS, Nation Press, Press Information Bureau (President's Secretariat release, October 21).