State-level college painting exhibition opens at Sir J.J. College of Art; Minister Patil inaugurates

Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakantdada Patil inaugurated an exhibition of the best works from the state-level college painting competition at Sir J.J. College of Art. Awards were also presented to meritorious students at the event.

The exhibition has been organised on the theme of "Viksit Bharat". Patil said it had given the art of the state's college students a platform of its own and would give a new direction to their creativity and artistic expression.

To mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in constitutional office, the state is running the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026" from September 17 to October 17, 2026, in keeping with the maxim "Seva Paramo Dharma". The exhibition and the awards ceremony are part of this campaign. The event was organised jointly by the Higher and Technical Education Department, the Maharashtra State Directorate of Art and the Maharashtra State Board of Art Education.

Those present at the ceremony included Dr Him Chatterjee, Vice-Chancellor of Sir J.J. School of Art, Architecture and Design University; Dr Kishor Ingle, Director of the Maharashtra State Directorate of Art; Vinod Dandge, director of the Maharashtra State Board of Art Education; and architect Rajeev Mishra. Students and officials concerned also attended.

Students from government, aided and unaided colleges across Maharashtra took part in the competition with enthusiasm, producing works on a range of themes. Students whose selected works were chosen were honoured with first, second and third prizes along with five consolation prizes.

Patil said the main aim of the initiative was to give new artists a chance to present their work on a larger stage and to inspire art students for the road ahead. He expressed confidence that the event, held under the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026", would prove important in increasing students' artistic expression, creativity and interest in art. According to him, the exhibition would encourage the state's emerging artists and give a new direction to their artistic journey.

The exhibition at Sir J.J. College of Art, Mumbai, will be open to all on Saturday, October 17, 2026, daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Art lovers, students and members of the public can visit to see the students' works.