“Timeless Moments,” Art as a Therapy and Celebration
The Vijay Ram Foundation recently organised its 2nd Annual Felicitation Ceremony and Art Exhibition, “Timeless Moments,” at the Chestnut Hues Arts Studio in Gurgaon. This event celebrated the contributions of emerging and established artists, highlighting their impact on the vibrant landscape of Indian art.
Founded in 2023 by artist Sangeeta Singh, the Vijay Ram Foundation is a non-profit organisation that nurtures artistic talent in India. Established in memory of her late parents, Lt. Col. RPS Raghuvanshi and Vijay Raghuvanshi, the foundation provides a platform for artists to showcase their work while recognising outstanding contributions to the world of art.
Sangeeta Singh passionately states, “Art transcends boundaries, offering solace and healing to those who engage with it. Immersing oneself in creativity provides an emotional outlet and nurtures mental well-being, fostering mindfulness and a sense of fulfilment. For many, creating or appreciating art serves as a therapeutic escape from the stresses of daily life, paving the way for personal transformation.
Awards for 2024 This year, two major awards were presented to honour exceptional talent:
- 2nd Vijay Ram Ratan Award 2024: Designed for emerging artists aged 20–35, this award featured three cash prizes. Abhlasha Singh from Lucknow won the first prize of ₹50,000, followed by Ambrish Mishra from Prayagraj with the second prize of ₹30,000, and Mona Kapoor from Noida with the third prize of ₹20,000.
- 1st Inder Makkar Award 2024 Inaugurated this year to support mid-career artists aged 35–60, the award was presented in partnership with esteemed artist Renuka Sondhi Gulati. Sanghpal Uttam from New Delhi was honoured with a cash prize ₹30,000.
Special Guests and Jury The event was graced by Tripat Kalra, Director of Gallerie Nvya, as the Chief Guest and Komal Anand, Director of Uraswati Museum, as the Guest of Honour.
“The winners were selected through a rigorous process, with applications received from across India. The jury panel, comprising renowned artists Asit Patnaik, Sanjay Roy, and Komal Anand, meticulously evaluated each submission,” said Sangeeta.
Timeless Moments: The Exhibition The exhibition features artworks of ten nominated artists for the 2nd Vijay Ram Ratan Award 2024, including Ahilasha Singh, Ambrish Mishra, Dharmendra Sahani, Jyoti Singh, Lalit Kumar, Mona Kapoor, Pratima, Sachin Sharma, Shubham Mane, and Uday Pratap. These captivating pieces reflect the diverse talent and creativity nurtured by the Vijay Ram Foundation.
The foundation invites art enthusiasts to experience this vibrant celebration of creativity and talent, showcasing the transformative power of art.