The 64th Foundation Day celebrations of Lalit Kala Akademi or the National Academy of Art were inaugurated here today by Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma.
Sharma, talking about the contribution of the academy, said that the Akademi has been "true to its founding beliefs and objectives".
"Establishing an art institution is a big thing but serving art for 64 years consistently with same energy, dedication and enthusiasm is a task bigger than that.
"Currently, around 65 per cent of the Indian population falls under the age-group of 35-40 years and I feel very happy when I see the younger generation taking interest in arts. I am glad that the LKA is promoting art to the youths by organising various camps and competitions," the minister said.
He also released the logo of the 12th Triennale India which is scheduled to be organised by the Akademi in December.
Established in 1954 by the then education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Akademi has continuously supported Indian arts by promoting and propagating it in and outside the country.
Eminent sculptor and chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi Uttam Pacharne said, "An artist is person who prefers living a carefree life but at the same time it demands dedication, austerity and penance."
Pacharne congratulated Akademi staff and art lovers on the occasion.
Earlier in the day, a demonstration of clay modelling named 'Aao Mitti Me Khele' was organised by the Akademi at Dr Rajendra Prasad Sarvodaya Vidyalaya at the President Estate.
The event was also attended by eminent sculptor and Padma Bhushan awardee Ram V Sutar, and the founder of Sanskar Bharti, Baba Yogendra.
"A Painter of Eloquent Silence" - a book on eminent artist Ganesh Pyne, written by Pranav Ranjan Ray was also launched on the occasion.
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