As per the last four years, the Manu 4 exhibition had a grand opening. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the fifth edition of Manu was conducted on 16 & 17 March 2024. A large number of people proved the success of this event Manu-5.
Inauguration
The inauguration of this exhibition was on 16 March 2024. Bundelkhand Art Society was organized under the joint aegis of the Government Museum Jhansi. The Chief Guest Mrs. Bhumika Singh (Model, Actress & Ex Mrs India) along with Dr. Kaushal Tripathi (Asst Prof. & Ex Coordinator, Mass Communication Dep of Bundelkhand University, Jhansi) & Dr. Rohit Pandey (Director, Mount Litera Zee School Jhansi) inaugurated Manu 5-(Women Power) International Women Painters Exhibition-2024.
The Purpose of the Exhibition and the Name
Bundelkhand Art Society dedicates this exhibition to Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi. This exhibition provides respect and a proper platform for women. It also honors him for his art and his contribution to any field. However, the title of this exhibition was given to the childhood name of Queen Laxmi Bai of Jhansi, “Manu”. However, the Bundelkhand Art Society believes no better ideal exists than the Rani of Jhansi.
Program of Manu-5
The exhibition was inaugurated by cutting the lace and lighting the lamp in the gallery. After that, the guests performed Tilak to Jhansi ki Rani. Importantly, one of the female artists in the show got the dress-up of Queen of Jhansi. Vaishali Chaudhary was in Laxmi Bai’s get-up costume. In this way, they dedicated the whole show to the queen of Jhansi Laxmi Bai. Lastly, the guest lightened the lamp.
After the official inauguration, the guests observed the paintings in the exhibition. They also talked to the painters. Megha Kapoor and Puja Kumar talked to every artist and asked about her painting. They also gave some suggestions & tips to them.
She said that the Manu Exhibition is a great effort. Through this, the Bundelkhand Art Society has played a commendable role. Surely, It is providing an international platform to women artists.
Award & Medal Distribution Ceremony
After visiting the gallery, all are gathered in a hall in the gallery for the Tea party conference. Light refreshments were served there to all. Earlier, Mueen Akhtar introduced all the local artists, society members, and volunteers to the guests. Talking about the art journey, Artist Puja Kumar told her story. She described how she worked hard for art and her struggle. On the other hand, Megha Kapoor also told her story of her personal and professional life. She gave some inspiring facts about life and art struggle. Both artists motivated the other to work regularly. In the end, Mridula Saxena gave the vote of thanks.
Watercolor Demonstration
On 16 March 2023, watercolorists Megha Kapoor & Puja Kumar demonstrated watercolor painting in the gallery. First of all, Megha Kapoor started the demo. She showed some of her watercolor paintings and described them. Then she painted a rose flower in her demo. There was a huge crowd to see the demo. After Megha ji, Artist Puja Kumar started her demo. She also painted rose flowers in her style. The viewer enjoyed a lot these demos.
During these demos, Mueen Akhtar, Vikrant Jha, Kishan Soni, Mridula Saxena, Meraj Fatima, Sapna Raikwar, and Vaishali Choudhary were presented.
Here are some images of the Watercolor Demonstration
Manu Samman Award and Gold Medalist
Meraj Fatima was the head of the Exhibition organizing team. So, she said that 5 International painters and 54 national artists participated in this exhibition. However, the selection committee selected the following painters for the gold medal:
- Mridula Saxena (Jhansi)
- Deepika Roy (Bhopal)
- Sangeeta Nagariya (Jhansi)
- Kabita Kamrakar (Chakradharpur)
- Namrata Kushwaha Mona (Jhansi)
The Bundelkhand Art Society honored The Manu Award to Megha Hada Kapoor & Puja Kumar. In fact, Society gave them Manu Samman for their remarkable contribution and work in watercolor painting.
