Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, Jammu’s International Painters Symposium 2026 Valedictory Ceremony Jammu, January 16, 2026: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu successfully organized the Exhibition and Valedictory Ceremony of the International Painters Symposium 2026 at its Jagti Campus on 16th Jan 2026, marking the culmination of a six-day international artistic residency held from 12 to 16
The symposium emerged as a vibrant confluence of global creativity, cultural exchange, and student engagement, reinforcing IIM Jammu’s commitment to holistic education through the integration of art, culture, and management learning.
The Lieutenant Governor, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha was formally welcomed by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, followed by the National Anthem and felicitation of the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Former Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu and Internationally renowned painter K. K. Gandhi, Curator of the International Painters Symposium.
The prestigious occasion was graced by Manoj Sinha Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, as the Chief Guest, who inaugurated the exhibition of paintings created during the symposium at
the Mandapam, IIM Jammu, and later delivered the valedictory address. The valedictory and exhibition were also graced by Guest of Honor, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Former Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu in presence of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu and Internationally renowned painter K. K. Gandhi, Curator of the International Painters Symposium alongside Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam and Media and Publication Division, IIM Jammu . The exhibition showcased an impressive collection of artworks produced by 21 eminent international painters, 25 emerging artists, and 90 student artists, reflecting diverse artistic traditions, contemporary themes, and cross-cultural perspectives.
The Symposium features eminent painters including Tapan Kumar Dash, Anjani Reddy, K.K Gandhi, Santosh Verma, Dr. Vidhyasagar Upadhyay, Svetlana Kravchenko, Krishna Setty CS, Ajay Samir, Pradeep Naik, Dr. Gurcharan Singh, Shrikant Kadam, Prof. Rajan S. Fulari, Binoy Varghese, Vinay Sharma,
Dhananjay Thakur, Dr. Anup K. Chand, Niladri Paul, Dr. Chaminda Gamage,representing diverse national and international artistic traditions.
Chief Guest, Manoj Sinha Lieutenant Governor, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, delivered the
Valedictory Address by warmly greeting the gathering and expressing his pleasure in being part of the International Painters Symposium 2026. He appreciated Indian Institute of Management Jammu for initiating a meaningful platform that nurtures creativity, expression, and holistic development alongside excellence in business leadership and innovation. Highlighting the broader economic and social relevance of art, he
emphasized that art generates value beyond finances by strengthening institutions, individuals,
camaraderie, cultural identity, and the heartbeat of society. He linked this vision to the emphasis on art, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning in National Education Policy 2020, noting its role in empowering youth and contributing to a stronger and more resilient India.Drawing powerful analogies, he cited author Thomas Friedman, who observed that Passion Quotient and Curiosity Quotient are more important than IQ,
underscoring the need for lifelong learning in an unpredictable world. Referring to Vincent van Gogh, he illustrated how artistic imagination can transcend conventional understanding and inspire insights across disciplines, even science and mathematics.
He highlighted the deep intersection between management and painting, where vision, adaptability, learning from mistakes, and layered execution define both artistic creation and business strategy. Emphasizing creativity as essential in today’s AI-driven and fast-changing environment, he congratulated Professor B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu and the entire IIM Jammu team
on the successful completion of the symposium and expressed hope that it enriched learning for all
participants, before offering heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.
Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Former Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, greeted the gathering during the Exhibition and Valedictory Function of the International Painters Symposium 2026: Brushstrokes Beyond Borders, held from 12th to 16th January 2026. He appreciated the thoughtful and unique vision behind the symposium, acknowledging the leadership and creative approach of Professor B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM
Jammu.He highlighted how such initiatives provide an invaluable platform for budding artistic talent among students, enabling creativity to flourish alongside academic excellence. He noted that the symposium serves as a powerful example of how premier institutions can nurture art and culture as integral components of holistic development.Sharing his reflections, he mentioned that the initiative had also inspired similar cultural
and artistic efforts at AIIMS Jammu, reinforcing the idea that art plays a vital role in well-being, learning, and institutional vibrancy. He commended the collaborative spirit that allows creativity to thrive within academic and professional environments.He congratulated all participating artists for their remarkable contributions and extended special appreciation to the students, faculty, and staff of IIM Jammu whose paintings were
displayed during the exhibition. He lauded their enthusiasm and creative expression, which added depth and meaning to the symposium.
Professor B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, delivered the welcome address at the Exhibition and Valedictory Function of the International Painters Symposium 2026: Brushstrokes Beyond Borders, held from 12th to 16th January 2026. He welcomed everyone and expressed deep gratitude to the Chief Guest, Manoj Sinha lieutenant Governor, UT Jammu and Kashmir, for his time, encouragement, and continued support, acknowledging his pivotal contribution in placing IIM Jammu on the global academic and cultural map.
He extended special thanks to the Guest of Honour, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Former Executive Director
and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, appreciating the spirit of collaboration between premier institutions. On behalf of the entire IIM Jammu community, he thanked all participating International painters and other artists acknowledging their tight schedules and the challenges artists face, yet recognizing their commitment to making time for this grand International Painters Symposium.Highlighting the scale of participation, he shared that the symposium hosted 20 eminent painters and 23 emerging painters from across India and
abroad. He further noted that 26 student paintings and 16 paintings by faculty and staff were displayed.
While reading out the names of the emerging painters in alphabetical order, he invited the audience to appreciate their work, which had been admired over five enriching days.Reflecting on the deeper essence of art, he described how the abstract expressions and energies within the paintings created positivity, happiness, and calmness, transcending conventional notions of valuation. Sharing a personal anecdote from
his childhood in a small town, he spoke of how art became stitched into his heart, helping overcome negative emotions.
He concluded by stating that this is not an end, but a new dawn, and sought continued support of
everyone, as the journey of art and culture at IIM Jammu moves forward.Internationally renowned painter K. K. Gandhi, Curator of the Symposium, warmly welcomed all dignitaries, faculty members, and participating artists at the Exhibition and Valedictory Ceremony of the International Painters Symposium 2026: Brushstrokes Beyond Borders at IIM Jammu. He appreciated the vibrant participation and highlighted IIM Jammu’s growing role in promoting fine arts within academic spaces
and strengthening the region’s creative ecosystem. Expressing gratitude to all collaborators, he thanked Manoj Lieutenant Governor, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, and Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, along with Anandam: The Center for Happiness, IIM Jammu, for making the
symposium a memorable celebration of global art and cultural exchange A special felicitation ceremony was held during the grand Valedictory Ceremony, wherein the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the eminent painters, acknowledging their outstanding creative contributions
and their meaningful engagement with students and emerging artists throughout the symposium. Certificates and mementos were also distributed to all International and Emerging Artists, recognizing their participation and artistic excellence. This was followed by a group photograph with the artists, emerging painters, and dignitaries, symbolizing the spirit of unity, creativity, and global friendship fostered through the symposium.
The eminent painters of the International Painters Symposium were felicitated by the Chief Guest, Shri
Manoj Sinha Lieutenant Governor, UT of Jammu and Kashmir; Guest of Honour, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti
Gupta, Former Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu; Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu; Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam and Media and Publication Division, IIM Jammu, along with internationally renowned artist Shri KK Gandhi. Each artist’s work stood out as a reflection of exceptional talent, originality, and creative depth, enriching the symposium with diverse perspectives and artistic expressions.
The ceremony concluded on a memorable note with a group photograph alongside the
dignitaries, celebrating art, collaboration, and shared excellence. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam: The Center for Happiness, IIM Jammu, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor, Guest of Honour, artists, curators, faculty members, students, and organizing teams for their collective efforts in making the symposium a grand success. The valedictory ceremony culminated with the National
Anthem, followed by Hi-Tea and informal interactions among artists and participants.The event, jointly conducted by Anandam: The Center of Happiness, IIM Jammu, and Arles: The Painting Club, IIM Jammu, was further elevated by the gracious presence of the Chief Guest, Manoj Sinha Lieutenant Governor, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, making it a truly memorable celebration of art, culture, and creative excellence The International Painters Symposium 2026 stands as a landmark cultural initiative of IIM Jammu,
reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded leaders through a balanced blend of
academic rigor, cultural engagement, creativity, and global exposure.DD