Natrang Honours Six Prominent Artists for Their Exceptional Contribution to Visual Arts
Jammu, October 30, 2025: In a grand celebration of creativity and excellence, Natrang, Jammu and Kashmir’s leading cultural organisation, honoured six eminent artists for their outstanding contributions to the field of visual arts at Kala Kendra where an art exhibition entitled ‘Contemporary J&K Art Show was organized by Natrang in association with Kala Kendra Jammu. The honours were conferred by Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, President Natrang who was joined by the Secretary Kala Kendra Dr. Javed Rahi, at a special ceremony that drew artists, scholars, and art lovers from across the region. The six artists—Reecha Gupta, Amit Singh Slathia, Rohit Verma, Sukhjeet Singh Kukal, Suresh Kumar Sharma, and Jang S. Verman—were felicitated for their exceptional achievements in painting, sculpture, and art education. Their collective work reflects the creative spirit and cultural richness of Jammu and Kashmir while also contributing significantly to the national and international art landscape.
Addressing the gathering, Padma Shri Balwant Thakur lauded the awardees for their lifelong dedication to the arts and their pivotal role in strengthening the cultural identity of the region. In his address, he said “These six artists represent the creative soul of Jammu and Kashmir. Through their vision, dedication, and perseverance, they have carried our artistic legacy to the national and global stage. Each of them, in their own way, has contributed to preserving our cultural ethos while inspiring new generations of artists. Natrang is proud to celebrate their achievements, which serve as a beacon of creativity, commitment, and excellence.” He further added that recognising such artists not only honours their individual accomplishments but also reinforces the importance of art as a transformative force in society.
Reecha Gupta, Gold Medalist in B.F.A. (Painting) from the University of Jammu, has earned wide recognition for her sensitive and symbolic depictions of womanhood and identity. A recipient of the Senior Fellowship in Painting from the Ministry of Culture, the Artist State Award, and the Lalit Kala Academy Research Scholarship, she has also been celebrated with honours such as Women of Substance and Great Women Achievers.
Mr. Amit Singh Slathia, an accomplished Visual Artist, Academic, and Researcher, currently serves as Assistant Professor and Head of the BFA Programme at UID-NCR, GD Goenka University. Holding an MFA from the University of Rajasthan and a BFA from the University of Jammu, his interdisciplinary practice integrates art, education, and social engagement. His acclaimed installations, including Santa Cloth, and his numerous awards, including the Junior Fellowship and State Art Awards, testify to his innovation and leadership in visual arts education
Rohit Verma, presently faculty in Painting at IMFA, University of Jammu, has participated in over fifty prestigious art camps nationwide. An alumnus of IMFA and Lucknow University, he has twice received the J&K State Award and four Certificates of Merit, establishing him as one of the most active and respected contemporary painters from the region.
Sculptor Sukhjeet Singh Kukal, a graduate of Jammu University and the College of Art, New Delhi, has earned numerous distinctions including the National Award by Lalit Kala Akademi, AIFACS Awards, and international recognition for his residencies and workshops in France. His sculptural work embodies both technical excellence and emotional depth.
Applied artist Suresh Kumar Sharma, trained at IMFA Jammu, has participated in several national exhibitions including those by Lalit Kala Akademi and AIFACS. He has been honoured multiple times by leading institutions such as the Indian Red Cross Society, Lions Club, and J&K Police for his creative and humanitarian contributions to society.
Veteran artist, writer, and art critic Jang S. Verman has distinguished himself as a multifaceted figure in the Indian art world. Having participated in hundreds of exhibitions and art events across India and abroad—including Sweden, South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia—he is also celebrated for his writings on art and culture that have enriched public understanding and appreciation of visual arts.
The event concluded with a pledge to have more such felicitations of both senior and younger generation of J&K artists and a collective commitment by Natrang to continue fostering creative talent and promoting cultural exchange.
