Senior artists neglected at national camp, allege Himachal maestros

Serious allegations of neglect have surfaced against the Lalit Kala Akademi following its recently concluded National Miniature Painting Camp held at Basohli in Jammu and Kashmir.

Senior artists from Himachal Pradesh, particularly from the Kangra and Chamba districts, said they were sidelined during the prestigious event, which wrapped up on September 30.

Bhuvaneshwar Sharma, General Secretary of Shilp Parishad, along with several veteran painters, expressed deep disappointment over the Akademi’s continued disregard for accomplished Pahari artists. “Despite receiving Padma Shri, Kalidas Award and other national accolades, many senior artists were not invited or given representation,” Sharma said, calling the exclusion a “ridiculous” oversight.

According to the Shilp Parishad, this pattern of neglect has persisted for over a decade. “Talented local artists are consistently eclipsed by lesser-known names who manipulate the system,” a senior artist rued, accusing the Akademi of favouritism.

The Shilp Parishad has formally lodged a complaint with the Union Minister of Culture, urging a probe into the selection process. The senior artists said that such continued marginalisation not only demoralised native talent but also threatened the preservation of traditional Pahari miniature painting. The Akademi has yet to respond to these claims.

Himachal Tribune