Dr Karan Singh inaugurates 10-day exhibition at Kala Kendra Jammu

Jammu, Mar 15: Former Union Minister Dr Karan Singh on Sunday inaugurated an art and photography exhibition, highlighting the memories of “Operation Sindoor” and floods 2025 at Kala Kendra.

The Principal Secretary, Department of Culture, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Brij Mohan Sharma, was the special guest on the occasion.

The exhibition has been jointly organised by the Amar Mahal Museum and Library and the Kala Kendra Jammu across all five galleries on the ground floor of Kala Kendra.

While inaugurating the exhibition, Dr Karan Singh said that Jammu and Kashmir immensely contributed to the art scene of the country. He lauded the role of artists and painters from the region in promoting the local ethos and cultural heritage at national and international levels.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incidents during “Operation Sindoor”, which resulted in the loss of lives, he said the devastating floods of 2025 were also a painful chapter in the region’s history. He appreciated the organisers for documenting and presenting the people’s pain and resilience through photographs.

Speaking on the occasion, Brij Mohan Sharma stated, “Dr Karan Singh, who celebrated his 95th birthday recently, is a living legend and a symbol of wisdom, dignity, and humanity. His lifelong commitment to culture, philosophy, and public service continues to inspire generations.”

He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the Department of Culture for the preservation and promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary of Kala Kendra Jammu, stated that the ten-day exhibition showcased a rich collection of artworks, including miniature paintings, along with a photo exhibition documenting memories.”

Dr Jyotsana Singh mentioned that the exhibition coincided with the 4th edition of the Tawi Festival, currently being celebrated in Jammu. She stated that the exhibition presented a rare collection of artworks from the AMML and also featured photographs portraying the suffering and resilience of people during “Operation Sindoor” and the floods of 2025.

Renowned art historian Dr Lalit Gupta, who shared the presidium, stated that the exhibition featured rare and exceptional works by distinguished painters and urged Jammuites to visit and appreciate the diverse artistic expressions on display.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until March 23 at Kala Kendra, Jammu.