Ardee Foundation presents the Ardee Legacy Awards at India Art Fair 2026

Founded in 1997 by the late Ashok Varma, the Ardee Foundation continues to advance excellence in education and the arts. Guided today by Shefali Varma, chairperson, the Foundation thrives at the intersection of art, education, and legacy.

Rooted in the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to education, artistic inquiry, and cultural continuity, the Ardee Legacy Awards honour the enduring influence of Manjit Bawa—one of India’s most significant modern artists—while creating meaningful platforms for emerging voices in contemporary practice.

This year’s edition brings together award-winning student works from leading art institutions across India, selected through a national competition by an eminent jury.

Curated by Ina Puri, with scenography by Reha Sodhi, the exhibition places these student works in thoughtful dialogue with original paintings by Manjit Bawa from the Ardee Art Collection. Together, they create a layered and intergenerational exploration of legacy as a living process—one shaped by learning, reflection, and continued artistic engagement.

“This presentation is not only about revisiting Manjit Bawa’s work, but about making his presence felt—through his art, his music, and his deep engagement with social and spiritual questions,” says Ina Puri, curator. “By placing his works alongside those of young artists, the exhibition becomes a living exchange, reflecting the values of peace, coexistence, and humanism that defined his life and practice.”

Shefali Varma, chairperson, adds: “Legacy, for us, is not static or retrospective. It is sustained through education, dialogue, and the courage to engage critically with the past. The Ardee Legacy Awards affirm our belief that artistic thought remains vital when it is shared, questioned, and carried forward by the next generation.”

Presented by the Ardee Foundation, Manjit Bawa: An Enduring Legacy reaffirms the Foundation’s vision of nurturing intergenerational dialogue, where education and art together sustain the relevance of cultural memory.

Event Details
India Art Fair 2026
5–8 February 2026
Institutional Section, Booth N05
Presented by: Ardee Foundation

About Ardee Foundation
Founded in 1997 by the late Shri Ashok Varma, the Ardee Foundation advances excellence in education and the arts. Under the leadership of Shefali Varma, the Foundation continues to operate at the intersection of art, education, and legacy, fostering critical engagement and creative growth through initiatives such as the Ardee Legacy Awards.





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