The Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated the new building of the Lalit Kala Akademi Regional Centre, Kolkata, along with the 3rd Print Biennale India, in Kolkata on 15 January 2026. The inauguration was attended by the Commissioner of the 3rd Print Biennale India, Shri C. S. Krishna Setty, and the Vice Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi, Dr. Nand Lal Thakur.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the collective singing of the national song Vande Mataram, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Nand Lal Thakur. The event featured cultural performances, including a Rabindro Sangeet presentation by students from Santiniketan. A film showcasing the work and legacy of the Lalit Kala Akademi was also screened on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shekhawat praised the artistic design of the new building and the artworks on display. He stated that art in India has historically served as a medium for national service and global welfare, and emphasised that art and culture are powerful forces for national unity. Referring to the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, he noted that the new building, which harmoniously blends heritage preservation with innovation, will serve as a significant platform for promoting art and contribute to the vision of a developed India.
The new Lalit Kala Akademi building represents a blend of aesthetic vision and technical advancement and houses a half-bust of Shri Devi Prasad Roy Chowdhury, a pioneer of Indian art. The 3rd Print Biennale India features artworks from approximately 30 countries and will remain open to the public until 15 February 2026.
