STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu inaugurated a significant cultural initiative with the launch of its first-ever Basohli Painting Workshop at the Jagti campus, celebrating one of India’s oldest and most vibrant Pahari miniature traditions. The workshop, dedicated to the 300-year-old Basohli school, honours master practitioners who continue to preserve the art form’s techniques, aesthetic finesse, and cultural memory. The inauguration was held at the Mandapam Auditorium under the leadership of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu.
The event witnessed the presence of eminent guests including Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA Jammu; Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty & Research; Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics; Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, ?nandam; Brig. (Retd.) Neeraj Soni, Co-Chairperson, ?nandam; and Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, CAO, IIM Jammu. The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising creativity, learning, and renewal.
Organised from 08-14 December 2025 at the Jalpan Kendra, the workshop has been designed by ?nandam: The Centre for Happiness and the Painting Club, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre Jammu. Participants will learn directly from GI-tag certified Basohli women artists, gaining exposure to natural pigment preparation, handmade paper techniques, sacred iconography, and intricate miniature detailing.
In his address, Prof. Sahay drew insights from the recent BGA Conference in Bali, stressing the global relevance of preserving traditional arts. While appreciating the achievement of GI tagging, he emphasised the need for branding, marketing, and international positioning of Basohli painting. He reaffirmed IIM Jammu’s commitment to cultural stewardship, noting that more than 90 students and 25 alumni had joined the workshop and encouraging researchers to collaborate with artist groups for greater visibility of indigenous art.
Shruti Awasthi highlighted IGNCA’s role in safeguarding India’s artistic heritage, describing art as a bridge across generations. She called for stronger ecosystems to support traditional knowledge.
Master artist Sohan Singh Billawria, an internationally recognised custodian of Basohli painting, shared deep insights into the craft’s meticulous processes, from natural pigment preparation to fine detailing. He expressed gratitude to IIM Jammu for creating a meaningful platform connecting traditional artists with contemporary learners.
Academic leaders including Prof. Jabir Ali, Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, and Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal highlighted the pedagogical, cultural, and aesthetic value of integrating art with management education. Brig. (Retd.) Neeraj Soni encouraged participants to engage with traditional arts as pathways to understanding India’s deeper civilisational identity.
Participants will work closely with the Basohli Painting Artists’ Ensemble, featuring Sohan Singh Billawria, Rajni Bala, Sonam Jamwal, Aastha Billowaria, Shivakshi Sharma, Nitika Mehra, Simran, Ranjali, Rekha, and Kanchan. The inaugural day concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Prof. Sahay and the senior artists.
Basohli painting, distinguished by its vivid natural pigments, bold contours, and expressive narratives, remains a cornerstone of Pahari miniature tradition. The workshop strengthens cultural literacy, supports intangible heritage preservation, and aligns with NEP 2020’s vision to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems into contemporary education. Through immersive practice, storytelling, and master-artist interactions, students become part of a living tradition that continues to shape India’s artistic identity. IIM Jammu welcomes the Basohli Painting Artists’ Ensemble and invites the community to celebrate this creative confluence of heritage and learning, where each artwork becomes a testament to India’s enduring cultural richness.