14 Sep 2016

The Indian High Commission recently inaugurated a five-day exhibition of Indian art.

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Botlogile Tshireletso, thanked the high commission for supporting Botswana’s independence celebrations.

“We are inspired to be gathered here with you in harmony and it is a pleasure to appreciate the arts from other countries,” she said.

India High Commissioner,  Dr Ketan Shukla said the exhibition was meant to give a glimpse into the art treasure of India, with displays of sculptures, paintings, jewellery, woodcraft and handicrafts.

“The art clearly defines the Indian culture and we are proud to have brought India to Botswana through art,” he said.

Dr Shukla said India had been the home of arts and crafts since its primitive times.

“Indians knew the art of painting since pre-historic times. Earliest cave paintings depicting various scenes are the ample testimony of this fact. Indian painting’s heritage passes through caves of Bhimbetka and Ajanta, which are the milestones. 

Indian paintings like pichhavai, miniatures paintings, thangka paintings, madhubani, tanjore and various others are now an art of lover's greatest temptation,” he said.

Dr Shukla said Indian textile traditions were reputed all over the world and admired for their beauty, texture and durability, adding that India has a diverse and rich textile tradition. ENDS