Patna: A three-day exhibition showcasing Patna Kalam paintings, organised by the INTACH Patna Chapter, concluded at Bihar Lalit Kala Akademi on Sunday, drawing enthusiastic participation from artists and visitors.Bapu Tower director Vinay Kumar, the chief guest at the closing ceremony, lauded the participants’ efforts to preserve the traditional art form and suggested that future Patna Kalam training programmes be held at the Bapu Tower Art Gallery.Special guest BK Jain highlighted the exhibition’s blend of traditional Patna Kalam techniques and contemporary artistic approaches, calling it one of its key attractions.Presiding over the event, INTACH Patna Chapter co-convener Umesh Chandra Dwivedi stressed the need for patience, dedication and commitment among artists to sustain and promote the art form.INTACH Patna Chapter convener Bhairav Lal Das said the participation of young artists reflected a growing interest in Patna Kalam among the younger generation. He also announced that efforts to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the art form had been initiated and advised artists to obtain artisan cards.INTACH Bihar co-convener Shiv Kumar Mishra said dates for the next residential training programme and a proposed exhibition in Delhi would be announced soon. He added that a request had been submitted to the Union ministry of textiles to include Patna Kalam in its list of recognised crafts. Certificates were distributed to participants during the closing ceremony.
