Jammu : Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Sanjeev Verma, Monday inaugurated a three-day painting camp on the theme “My India, My Vote” at Kala Kendra, Jammu .
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr. Nirupa Rai, Special Secretary, Office of the Chief Electoral Officer; Harvinder Kour, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL); Sonali Arun Gupta, Additional Secretary, JKAACL; Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Kala Kendra and other senior officers from JKAACL and the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K.
The Painting camp is being organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K from January 19 to January 21, 2026. The initiative aims to encourage creative expression among the artists while simultaneously strengthening public awareness about democratic participation through the powerful medium of art.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Electoral Officer said that Jammu & Kashmir is a vibrant hub of art and culture, endowed with some of the finest sculptures and paintings in the country. He highlighted the region’s rich cultural heritage and expressed gratitude to the participating artists for their enthusiastic involvement, appreciating their efforts in promoting democratic values and voter awareness through artistic expression.
A blend of senior and young artists are participating in the camp including K. K. Gandhi, Vijay Anand, Gokal Dembi, Akram Khan, Jang S. Verman, Shivani Khajuria, Shakti Kumari, Rakesh Sharma, Ankush Kesar, Sunil Dutt, Rakesh Kumar, Surpal Singh Salathia, Mahua Gupta, Anjali Bharti, Narindar Kumar, Parveen Kumar, Monia Kapoor, Nidhi Jain, Sunita Gandhi and Mahesh Sharma.
The paintings created during the camp will reflect the spirit of democracy and the importance of voting, reinforcing the message of active civic participation among the public.
