Shimla: On the concluding day of the diamond jubilee celebrations at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, Governor Kavinder Gupta unveiled the bust of former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, also the founder of the Institute, and inaugurated the permanent art gallery dedicated to Kangra miniature paintings, titled ‘Kangra Kalam: The Pahari Miniature Art Gallery’.
On the occasion, the Governor also released the book ‘Folk and Rural Imagery in Kangra Miniatures: An Indigenous Indian Art Perspective’ based on Kangra miniature paintings. The event marked a significant step in the Institute’s efforts to bring Himachal Pradesh’s rich artistic heritage, Pahari community life and traditional art and culture to a wider audience.
While interacting with the media, the Governor said that Kangra painting is a symbol of our civilisation and culture. He said that the Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand share several cultural and civilisational similarities, which are expressed effectively through the region’s paintings. The Himalayan region reflects both ancient and modern traditions of painting.
The occasion symbolised respect for the intellectual legacy associated with the establishment of the Institute and its academic objectives. Dr. Radhakrishnan is remembered for his contributions to philosophy, education and the pursuit of knowledge. His bust on the Institute’s premises underscores the enduring values of scholarship and intellectual inquiry.
