The Indian Institute of Management Jammu organized the Grand Unveiling Ceremony of the Two-Day Live Painting Workshop at its Jagti Campus in the Mandapam Auditorium, as part of its ongoing ten-year celebrations. The initiative was jointly organized by the Painting Club of IIM Jammu under Anandam: The Center for Happiness, in close coordination with the Student Affairs Office, IIM Jammu.

The two-day live painting workshop, held on 8th and 9th November 2025, was led by the eminent and veteran artist Shri Bhushan Kesar, accompanied by Artist Shri Ankush Kesar, and offered a mesmerizing visual journey celebrating the beauty of creativity, imagination, and human emotion. Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, presided over the ceremony.

The exhibition featured an impressive display of 27 captivating paintings created by the talented students of IIM Jammu, each canvas narrating a story of colour, culture, and contemplation. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the main abstract painting of Eminent and Veteran Artist Shri Bhushan Kesar, gracefully carried out by Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu in the presence of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu; Shri Bhushan Kesar, and Shri Ankush Kesar. The artistic showcase beautifully reflected the spirit of harmony between art and academia, leaving the audience spellbound and deeply inspired.

The unveiling ceremony was graced by Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics; and Prof. Brig. (Retd.) Neeraj Soni, Co-Chairperson, Anandam, IIM Jammu in the presence of IIM Jammu’s faculty, officers, staff, and students.An audio-visual film tracing the illustrious artistic journey of Shri Bhushan Kesar, curated by the students of IIM Jammu, was showcased on the occasion. This was followed by a short film featuring glimpses from the two-day painting workshop, an expressive portrayal of creativity and artistic synergy that stood as one of the most captivating highlights of the event.

Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, shared that it was a pleasant surprise to be invited as the Chief Guest for the event, as he was unaware of the special initiative planned during his presence at IIM Jammu. He commended Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, for adopting and further expanding the painting idea and turning into a grand creative journey, emphasizing that such initiatives foster creativity, collaboration, and a holistic learning environment within academic institutions. He also highlighted that AIIMS Jammu has been implementing several innovative practices, including the recent start of weekly film screenings for faculty, officers, and staff, to promote engagement and thoughtful reflection. Speaking about the B.Sc. Nursing program, he underscored the significance of the pledge taken by nursing students, symbolizing their lifelong commitment to saving lives and serving humanity. He further extended an invitation to Eminent and Veteran Artist Shri Bhushan Kesar and Shri Ankush Kesar to conduct an interactive painting workshop at AIIMS Jammu, expressing his keen interest in hosting a similar creative initiative at his institute. He concluded by appreciating IIM Jammu’s efforts and expressed his desire to continue collaboration between the two premier institutions in the spirit of knowledge, creativity, and mutual growth.

Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, extended a warm welcome to Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, and eminent artist Shri Bhushan Kesar along with his son Shri Ankush Kesar. He shared that IIM Jammu has embarked on a conscious journey to adorn its campus with original artworks rather than purchased paintings celebrating creativity, culture, and learning. He highlighted that the institute envisions inviting distinguished artists from across India and abroad, offering students a unique opportunity to witness, engage with, and learn from the creative process firsthand. Recalling the beginning of this initiative with the renowned international artist Shri K. K. Gandhi, he expressed delight

over the enthusiastic response it has received from students. He mentioned that IIM Jammu aspires to curate a collection of nearly 500 original paintings, many of which will be student creations, reflecting the vibrant artistic and intellectual spirit of the state-of-the-art campus. Expressing deep admiration for Shri Bhushan Kesar, he remarked that the artist’s life and work stand as a testament to resilience and inspiration. “Despite being differently abled, he has transformed every limitation into a strength. At the age of 77, to stand and paint with such grace and a constant smile is truly remarkable. It is an honour to have him at IIM Jammu,” he said. He also made a heartfelt mention of Shri Ankush Kesar, commending his profound sense of devotion and care toward his parents, and his ability to communicate through empathy and understanding. “Very few are blessed with the opportunity to serve their parents with such dedication, it is indeed an act of grace,” he added. 

He further shared that IIM Jammu will continue organizing a series of creative initiatives, including a week-long Basohli Painting Workshop and international art Symposium reinforcing the institute’s commitment to nurturing art and creativity. He invited Shri Bhushan Kesar to return for another series of paintings and announced that the artworks will be displayed across the campus, including in the girls’ hostels, as a tribute to the creativity, compassion, and spirit of the betiyas of IIM Jammu. He also acknowledged Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta’s inspiration for this initiative, which stemmed from his visit to AIIMS Jammu, where he was impressed by the vibrant display of student artworks in the auditorium. He expressed his gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu for his gracious hospitality and support during the academic visit of IIM Jammu’s MBA Healthcare students to AIIMS Jammu. He shared that when Shri Ankush Kesar expressed his wish to commemorate the Golden Jubilee marking fifty years of Shri Bhushan Kesar’s illustrious artistic journey, IIM Jammu graciously offered to host this celebration in a grand and memorable manner.

Addressing the audience, Shri Ankush Kesar expressed his heartfelt appreciation to IIM Jammu and Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, for creating a platform where art and academia seamlessly converge. He described art as “a mirror of the soul that unites imagination and emotion,” and encouraged young minds to embrace creativity as a path toward self-expression and mindfulness. He shared that the creative process at IIM Jammu reflected a spirit of harmony, collaboration, and collective learning, applauding the institute’s visionary leadership under Prof. Sahay. Shri Ankush Kesar further informed that the artists successfully completed 26 paintings during the workshop and extended sincere gratitude to Prof. Sahay for his constant encouragement and support. He mentioned that the ongoing series represents abstract art, marking a creative evolution for his father, Shri Bhushan Kesar, who is celebrated for his mastery in realistic painting. He added that Shri Bhushan Kesar envisions organizing a Golden Jubilee Painting Week in the near future, commemorating fifty years of his artistic journey and lifelong dedication to the world of art. 

Subsequently, certificates were distributed to the students of IIM Jammu and the participants from the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Jammu. The participants from both institutions shared their experiences, expressing appreciation for the creative and collaborative learning environment fostered during the workshop. The event culminated with the National Anthem. 

The live painting workshop provided participants with an immersive experience in live painting, dialogue, and reflection, bridging aesthetics and intellect. The canvases unveiled stood as powerful symbols of the symbiosis between education and art, embodying the Institute’s motto, “Creating Leaders with a Heart.”