Jammu : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Thursday inaugurated a three-day painting exhibition titled “The Meanderings” by Pradeep Wahule (IFS, Conservator of Forests) at Kala Kendra Jammu.
Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Department of Culture, J&K, was the Special Guest on the occasion. Sarvesh Rai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Harvinder Kour , Secretary JKAACL and Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Kala Kendra Jammu, were part of the presidium during the inaugural programme.
The event was organized by Kala Kendra Jammu under the aegis of the Department of Culture and witnessed participation from artists, writers, poets, and officers of the Department.
In his address, Atal Dulloo appreciated the artistic depth of Pradeep Wahule’s work, observing that his paintings make a significant contribution to environmental awareness and foster a deep emotional connection with nature.
He emphasized the need for cultural institutions to actively engage younger generations with their age-old culture and heritage. He further stated that Kala Kendra would be provided full assistance to develop into a vibrant institution of J&K’s cultural landscape. He also appreciated the administration of the Kendra for transforming the institution into a centre of art and cultural activities.
While making his address Brij Mohan Sharma remarked that while he has known Pradeep Wahule as an efficient officer, his high-quality artworks left a lasting impression, adding that such creativity deserves national recognition. He further noted that efforts are underway to fully utilize all the galleries of Kala Kendra for the purposes they were originally envisioned.
Welcoming the guests, Javaid Rahi stated that the primary objective of the exhibition is to provide a platform for artists of Jammu & Kashmir to interact and engage with contemporary art through the works of Pradeep Wahule. He informed that around 40 artworks are on display at the Master Sansar Chand Gallery of Kala Kendra.
Speaking on the occasion, Pradeep Wahule (artist) reflected on his three-decade-long journey in the field of art. He stated that he is a self-trained artist and developed a deep interest in fine arts from an early age, drawing inspiration from nature and the works of great masters.
Rashmi Rao, who curated the exhibition, shared that this is the sixth State/UT where she is managing the display of the show. She expressed hope that art lovers and the general public will visit Kala Kendra during the three-day exhibition.
KusamTicko conducted the programme. The exhibition will remain open to the public for three days.
