Painting contest on Integral Humanism draws hundreds of artists at NGMA

A grand painting competition inspired by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of Integral Humanism was held at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), India Gate, on Friday. Organised by the Delhi Government’s Department of Art, Culture, Language and Tourism, in collaboration with Gyan Foundation and the Policy Planning and Research Centre (PPRC), the event saw participation from hundreds of artists across Delhi and other states.

Inaugurating the event, Delhi’s Minister for Art, Culture, Language and Tourism, Kapil Mishra, described Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya as a visionary philosopher, sociologist, economist and statesman. “Integral Humanism is not just a political ideology, but a path of social, cultural and economic harmony. It embodies the concept of Antyodaya, meaning the welfare of the person at the very end of the social ladder,” he said.

The competition also included themes such as ‘Operation Sindoor,’ with the artworks set to be displayed for public viewing later in the evening. Mishra expressed hope that these artworks would serve as a powerful medium to convey the profound ideas of Integral Humanism to the general public in an accessible way.

Highlighting the Delhi Government’s commitment to public service, Mishra remarked, “These 100 days have been days of service, dedication and development.” He credited Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s leadership for the progress and said the government’s work had earned goodwill from citizens, civil society and even the opposition.

Also present at the event were Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, BJP national general secretary (Organisation) BL Santosh, and Delhi Mahila Morcha president Richa Pandey, who praised the initiative and encouraged participating artists.

The programme aimed not just to celebrate 60 years of Integral Humanism but also to engage the youth in meaningful dialogue through art. The Minister concluded by thanking all organising partners, calling the event a vital platform to connect the younger generation with the nation’s ideological and cultural heritage.