New Delhi: In a step aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Developed India @ 2047, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has inaugurated the newly renovated Srijan Art Gallery at Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri.
The initiative, launched under the leadership of NDMC Chairman Shri Keshav Chandra and Vice Chairman Shri Kuljit Singh Chahal, reflects the civic body’s dedication to nurturing art and culture in the heart of the national capital.
Promoting Creativity and Culture
The upgraded gallery aims to become a vibrant cultural platform, encouraging creative communities and offering the public greater access to fine art. The inauguration ceremony drew several distinguished figures from the Indian art world, highlighting the significance of the event.
Among those present were renowned artist Shri Rameshwar Butta, who attended as Chief Guest, along with Padma Shri awardees Biman Bihari Das and Jai Prakash Lakhiwal. NDMC’s Art and Culture Advisor Shri Harshvardhan Sharma was also in attendance.
Live Demonstration and Exhibition
A key attraction of the event was a live painting session by Padma award-winning artists, providing art lovers a firsthand view of the creative process.
The gallery now features a diverse collection of artworks from several acclaimed artists, including Praveen Upadhyay, Kalicharan Gupta, Sanjay Bhattacharya, Jai Jharotia, Sanjay Ashtapure, Anil Gaikwad, Shrikant Kadam, Sabai Khan, Anu Naik, M.D. Solomon, Rajesh Chand, Sanjib Gogai, Ravindra Salve, Manish Pushkale, Rohit Sharma, and Kishore Roy. Visitors are welcome to interact with the artists and can purchase artwork directly from the gallery.
Transformation from Open-Air Corner to Modern Gallery
Originally established in February 1999 as the ‘Srijan Artist Corner’—an open-air art space of 172.50 square meters—the site has now been transformed into a modern and structured art gallery. The refurbished space spans approximately 15,225 square meters and includes numerous enhancements.
These include a dedicated entrance, an art exhibition area, a beautifully designed gazebo, improved seating, and landscaped open areas to create an artist-friendly and visitor-accessible environment.
Infrastructure and Aesthetic Upgrades
According to Shri Chahal, the renovation involved comprehensive civil works such as installation of Gwalior stone flooring, stainless steel railings, polycarbonate roof repairs, new benches, dustbins, signage boards, and a complete overhaul of the gallery’s paint and structure. The upgraded facilities aim to offer a comfortable and inclusive cultural space for the public.
Accessible Art for All
One of the gallery’s core goals is to bring art closer to the people by making it accessible outside traditional venues. With no entry fee, open interactions with artists, and the possibility of purchasing original artwork, the gallery is set to serve as a cultural retreat for Delhi residents and visitors.
Institutional Support for Cultural Development
Furthering its cultural vision, NDMC has taken strategic steps to institutionalize support for art and heritage. A new Department of Art and Culture was established in May 2025, and a budget of ₹40 crore—equivalent to nearly 1% of NDMC’s annual expenditure—has been earmarked to fund artistic programs.
In addition, NDMC has formed the Urban Arts & Culture Forum, which was recently approved by Council resolution. This forum will guide the planning and implementation of NDMC’s art and culture policies and programs.
Celebrating India’s Artistic Icons
The presence of iconic figures added depth to the event. Chief Guest Shri Rameshwar Butta is a widely respected contemporary artist, known for artworks inspired by deep social and spiritual themes. He heads Triveni Kala Sangam and is noted for his unique scratching technique and series like Man, Scripted in Time.
Padma Shri Biman Bihari Das, a senior sculptor and educator, has contributed immensely to India’s fine arts sector and has led reputed art institutions in Delhi and Kolkata. His contributions have been recognized with numerous national and international awards.
Also present was Padma Shri Jai Prakash Lakhiwal, whose distinctive fusion of traditional and modern art styles is showcased in prestigious institutions like Rashtrapati Bhavan and Supreme Court of India. His works have also been presented to international dignitaries.
Spotlight on Live Art
Praveen Upadhyay, the artist behind the live painting demonstration, hails from Karnataka and is known for his spiritually themed Brahmachari series. His calm and introspective style has earned acclaim both in India and abroad.
A Unified Effort Toward Cultural Transformation
In his concluding remarks, Shri Chahal described the gallery’s transformation as a significant milestone in NDMC’s cultural journey. He reiterated that the initiative enhances Delhi’s image—not just as a seat of governance—but also as a hub of creativity and cultural vitality, truly reflecting the national goal of a Developed India @ 2047.
The event also saw participation from heads of NDMC’s Civil, Electrical, and Horticulture departments, symbolizing the coordinated effort behind this cultural revival.
