Visual Artist & Railway Officer Aashima Mehrotra Makes History at 64th National Exhibition of Art

New Delhi – The 64th National Exhibition of Art, a prestigious celebration of Indian contemporary art organised by Lalit Kala Akademi, was inaugurated today at Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was graced by Hon’ble Minister of Culture & Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with senior dignitaries from the Ministry of Culture.

This year’s edition of the exhibition marks a historic moment as Aashima Mehrotra, a visual artist and Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, becomes the first-ever railway officer to have her artwork featured in the National Exhibition of Art. Her selected painting, titled Laapataa Ladies, has garnered national acclaim for its unique artistic depth and thematic richness.

Currently serving as Executive Director (Heritage), Railway Board, Aashima has successfully balanced a high-profile government role with her passion for visual arts. Her works reflect a deep engagement with Indian aesthetics, cosmic duality, and spiritual symbolism, seamlessly blending her administrative acumen with creative expression.

Speaking on her selection, officials from the Lalit Kala Akademi emphasised that Aashima’s inclusion in the exhibition reflects the Akademi’s broader vision of recognising talent from all walks of life, and fostering a space where creativity transcends professional boundaries.

Her painting Laapataa Ladies is an Acrylic on Canvas, sized 61 x 91 cm, created in the year 2024. The piece is a testament to her artistic prowess and has not only earned recognition within India but has also received appreciation at an international level from jurors associated with MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), New York Federation of Arts, ICCR, and various embassies.

The 64th National Exhibition of Art will remain open for public viewing until 15th September 2025 at the Lalit Kala Akademi Galleries, Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi. The exhibition features a diverse array of visual narratives, offering a rich reflection of India’s dynamic and evolving art landscape.