Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi Marks 66th Foundation Day with Cultural Events

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi celebrated its 66th Foundation Day at the Kalinga Art Gallery on Sunday, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the state’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Eminent sculptors Adwaita Charan Gadanayak and Binod Maharana, both recipients of the Padma Shri, attended the programme as chief guests. Deba Prasad Dash, Special Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Government of Odisha, and Chandrasekhar Hota, Secretary of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, were also present on the occasion.

Speaking at the event, the dignitaries praised the Akademi for its continued efforts in nurturing visual arts and preserving Odisha’s traditional artistic practices. They noted that the institution has been organising national-level art workshops and initiatives to encourage both established and emerging artists.

The speakers also highlighted the need to blend traditional art with modern approaches. They emphasised that adopting contemporary tools and technologies, including artificial intelligence, could help young artists expand their creative horizons and succeed in the evolving global art landscape.

To mark the occasion, a drawing competition on the theme “Culture of Odisha” was organised for students from different schools. The young participants displayed their creativity through artworks reflecting the state’s traditions and heritage, and the winners were felicitated with prizes and certificates.

Artists, students and art enthusiasts attended the celebration, making the event a vibrant tribute to Odisha’s artistic legacy.