By Viidhu Sharma

Art is more than just colors and shapes; it is a language that connects souls, expresses emotions, and tells stories. And Jashn-e-Astitva 2025-held at the Gandhi Darshan Art Gallery, Rajghat, New Delhi, from March 18th to March 30th-was a true testament to this. The event was an enchanting celebration of the power of art, bringing together over 100 talented artists from across India.

Curated by Astitva Group, founded by the visionary Anjali Sethi Malhotra, Jashn-e-Astitva has grown from a simple exhibition into a global platform that celebrates creativity, identity, and the unifying power of art. In its third edition, the event welcomed visitors from Denmark, Austria, Australia, and beyond, creating an atmosphere that felt both local and international.

A Gathering of Legends and Visionaries

This year’s event was graced by an inspiring lineup of artists and art lovers. The prestigious Padmashree Biman Bihari Das, President of AIFACS, a master sculptor, joined the celebration, as did Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). Their presence added immense value to the exhibition, showcasing the impact of art on our lives. Also present was Ajay Samir, whose contribution to the art world continues to inspire many.

One of the most memorable moments of the exhibition was the Art Talk by renowned artist Sajal Patra. His words on the philosophy of artistic detachment and the spiritual essence of creativity left the audience deeply moved. The event also featured a Live Art Camp by Shital Verma, where the act of creation itself was on full display-transforming blank canvases into stories of imagination.

Honoring Excellence: The Astitva Awards

In true Astitva style, the event was a celebration of not just art but the people who make it possible. Every year, Jashn-e-Astitva honors two artists who have made a remarkable impact in the art world. This year’s Legend Award was presented to Shikha Gupta, whose work continues to inspire generations. Meanwhile, the Rising Star Award was given to Hiral Singhal, a young artist whose fresh perspective promises to shape the future of contemporary art.

These awards symbolize more than just achievement-they are a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and passion that define the journey of an artist.

A platform for dreams to take flight

The heart of Jashn-e-Astitva lies in its unwavering commitment to providing a platform for every artist, whether established or emerging. This year’s exhibition showcased an extraordinary range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. Each piece told a unique story, and visitors were given the rare opportunity to witness the stories behind these works through the Live Art Camp and Art Talk sessions.

A special highlight of this year’s event was a collaboration with Camel Company, who held a special session on art supplies, emphasizing how quality tools can bring an artist’s vision to life. Their support and presence were a valuable part of the experience, showing how brands can nurture creative talent.

Astitva’s Official Online Gallery

In an exciting new chapter for Astitva, Astitva Group officially launched its Online Gallery at Jashn-e-Astitva 2025. This platform will showcase works from talented artists across the globe, providing them with the opportunity to reach wider audiences and gain international recognition. The online gallery is a natural progression for Astitva’s mission of connecting artists with the world, breaking down boundaries, and offering limitless possibilities.

A movement of Art and Identity

Jashn-e-Astitva is not just an event-it’s a movement that celebrates the essence of art as a tool for expression and identity. It brings together artists, art lovers, educators, and influencers, creating a vibrant community that is deeply connected to the creative pulse of the world.

As the curtains fell on this year’s edition, the feeling in the air was one of fulfillment and anticipation. Anjali Sethi Malhotra, founder of Astitva, expressed, “This celebration is about honoring creativity in its purest form. It’s about giving artists a space to shine and allowing their work to be seen and appreciated, not just in India, but across the world.”

The journey of Jashn-e-Astitva is far from over. With bigger dreams and an expanding family of artists, Astitva Group is poised to continue its mission of promoting art, culture, and creative boundaries.

Because, in the end, art is not just something you see-it’s something you feel. And Jashn-e-Astitva 2025 was an experience that touched every heart.