The Bombay Art Society (BAS), one of the most renowned non-profit art institutions in the Asian subcontinent, successfully hosted its 133rd All India Annual Art Exhibition at the Jehangir Art Gallery.

The grand inauguration took place in the presence of Padma Shri awardees Vasudeo Kamath and Achyut Palav, alongside BAS President Rajendra Patil. Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology was also present at the event. The exhibition, which began on March 11, 2025, will continue until March 17, 2025, offering art lovers a chance to witness some of India’s finest creative works.

Founded in 1888, BAS has played a vital role in nurturing India’s visual arts movement for an impressive 137 years. The annual exhibition, which began the same year, holds the distinction of being India’s longest-running art exhibition. Over the decades, it has become a launchpad for young and promising artists, introducing fresh talent to the Indian art scene.

Honoring excellence in art

One of the key highlights of the exhibition was the Roopdhar Lifetime Achievement Award, which BAS has been presenting for the past twenty years to recognise outstanding contributions to visual arts. This year, the prestigious award was conferred upon Prof. Pramodbabu Ramteke, who expressed his gratitude by saying, “It is an honor for me to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bombay Art Society. I encourage every aspiring artist to continue pursuing the art form that speaks to them, as this will help them find their niche and advance in their careers.”

Rigorous selection process & noteworthy winners

This year, an impressive 2,500 entries were submitted from across India, out of which 265 outstanding artworks were carefully chosen by a panel of art experts. Alongside these selections, the works of four scholarship recipients were also featured.

Several prestigious scholarships and awards were presented to outstanding artists:

Bendre-Husain Scholarship – Awarded to Sonal Salekar for her unique figurative style.

Sandhya Misra Scholarship – Conferred upon Sandeep Suneriya for his distinctive artistic expression.

Artist Ravi & Smita Paranjape Chitradiksha Scholarship – Presented to Akash Khetavat.

Among the major award winners, Ajay Meshram was honored with the Governor’s Award for his captivating painting, while Himanshu Mohanta received the Bombay Art Society Gold Medal for his exceptional sculpture.

Artists from cross India shine

The national significance of the BAS exhibition was highlighted by the participation of artists from diverse regions, including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. The event continues to serve as an important platform for artists from all corners of the country, fostering creativity and cultural exchange.

A platform for emerging & established artists

Since its inception, the Bombay Art Society has nurtured countless artists who later gained national and international recognition. Notable names include J. P. Ganguly, Amrita Sher-Gil, S. L. Haldankar, K. K. Hebbar, N. S. Bendre, S. H. Raza, K. H. Ara, Jatin Das, and Prabhakar Kolte, among many others.

Reflecting on this year’s exhibition, Rajendra Patil, President of BAS, stated, “The Bombay Art Society Annual Exhibition is more than just an art show-it is a tradition that has helped shape India’s art world. We remain dedicated to providing a world-class platform for emerging artists, and this year’s exhibition is a testament to the boundless creative energy in India today.”

Shri Ashish Shelar Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology while speak at the event shared, “I am deeply honored to witness the legacy of the Bombay Art Society exhibition, now in its 133^rd year. This longstanding tradition not only celebrates artistic brilliance but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for our budding artists. The platform it provides, showcasing exceptional artworks chosen from thousands, highlights the incredible talent that thrives in our country. These artists are truly devoted to their craft, and their passion is reflected in every masterpiece displayed here. The Bombay Art Society is doing a commendable job in nurturing creativity and fostering a spirit of innovation among our youth, ensuring that the art world continues to flourish with new perspectives and visions.”

Continuing its 137-year legacy, the Bombay Art Society remains a cornerstone of India’s artistic heritage, ensuring that new talents are nurtured while preserving the country’s rich visual arts traditions.