Artist Sanjeev Kishor Goutam gets B.C. Sanyal Award at College International Art Carnival

New Delhi: Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, an eminent artist and Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), has been conferred the B.C. Sanyal Award by the Delhi College of Art during the 20th College International Art Carnival, being held from 13th to 18th January 2026 at Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.

Instituted in the memory of Bhabesh Chandra Sanyal, one of the pioneers of modern Indian art, the B.C. Sanyal Award is regarded as a significant honour in the Indian art ecosystem. It recognises individuals whose sustained artistic practice, professional excellence, and leadership have had a lasting impact on the art community, and stands as a tribute to vision, integrity, and lifelong commitment to the advancement of the arts.

Sanjeev Kishor Goutam has been conferred the B.C. Sanyal Award primarily in recognition of his stature as an eminent artist. His distinguished artistic practice, marked by intellectual depth, aesthetic excellence, and sustained creative inquiry, has earned him wide national and international acclaim.

Among his numerous prestigious honours are the International Art Award by NOKIA (Thailand), the Lalit Kala Academy Award, the NOKIA National Award (New Delhi), and the AIFACS Award, among others. These accolades underscore his enduring contribution to the visual arts and reinforce the significance of this recognition.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Goutam has made an exceptional contribution to the world of art through his visionary institutional leadership. As Director General of NGMA, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening cultural institutions, expanding public engagement with modern and contemporary art, and fostering national and international collaborations. His thinking, curatorial excellence, and commitment to inclusivity have helped position museums as dynamic spaces for dialogue, education, and cultural exchange.

The 20th College International Art Carnival continues the legacy of Delhi College of Art as a vital platform for artistic dialogue and exchange, bringing together artists, students, scholars and art enthusiasts from India and abroad.

Over the years, the Carnival has evolved into a space for critical reflection, creative interaction, and the celebration of diverse artistic practices.

The B.C. Sanyal Award has been conferred in the past upon several eminent artists and art professionals, including Krishna Khanna, Jatin Das, M.F. Husain, Anupam Sud, Subodh Gupta, Ram V. Sutar, Anjolie Ela Menon, Keshav Malik, Manjit Bawa and Jai Zharotia, among others.

The presence of Sanjeev Kishor Goutam at this milestone edition of the Carnival has added immense value to the event and further strengthened its legacy as a forum for artistic excellence, leadership, and meaningful cultural exchange.

Tags : Sanjeev Kishor Gautam, B.C. Sanyal Award, art, Lalit Kala Akademi, Delhi College of Art