5th Chandrasekhar Rao Memorial Lecture 2025
16 September 2025
Gita Govinda Sadan, Bhubaneswar
Ketaki Foundation Trust successfully hosted the Fifth Chandrasekhar Rao Memorial Lecture on Tuesday evening at Gita Govinda Sadan, Bhubaneswar, bringing together scholars, students, and art enthusiasts to celebrate the life and artistic legacy of Chandrasekhar Rao.
The evening commenced with a soulful Odissi vocal recital by Adyasha Singh Samanta, setting a serene and graceful tone for the programme. This was followed by a welcome address from Sri Ramahari Jena, Trustee of Ketaki Foundation Trust, who highlighted the Foundation’s mission to promote art, literature, and culture in Odisha. Drawing from his personal experience, Sri Jena spoke about his long-standing association with Chandrasekhar Rao and reflected on the evolution of contemporary and modern art in Odisha, along with Rao’s distinctive style of painting.
The keynote lecture, titled “Art History & the Popular — ‘Elephanta‘ from Amar Chitra Katha”, was delivered by Professor Sanjay Kumar Mallik, Professor of Art History at Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan. Professor Mallik examined how Amar Chitra Katha reinterprets India’s cultural heritage for wider audiences. Using clear linework and vibrant colours, the Elephanta volume adapts classical Indian art into accessible illustrations, bridging traditional iconography with popular visual culture.
The session was chaired by Professor Pradosh Mishra, renowned art historian and critic, and Professor of Art History at Banaras Hindu University. Professor Mishra offered insights into Chandrasekhar Rao’s distinctive style, his innovative approach to modern Indian painting, and his lasting impact on the art community, blending scholarly analysis with heartfelt appreciation.
The Chandrasekhar Rao Memorial Lecture series, organised annually by KFT, continues to provide a platform for dialogue on art, history, and culture, honouring the memory and vision of Chandrasekhar Rao. The evening concluded with expressions of gratitude to the speakers, guests, and participants, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing cultural conversations in Odisha and beyond.
Adyasha Singh Samanta’s Odissi vocal recital set the perfect tone for the evening.
Prof. Sanjoy Kumar Mallik being felicitated by Sri Ramhari Jena during the event.
Prof. Pradosh Mishra addressing the gathering at the 5th Chandrasekhar Rao Memorial Lecture.
The memorial lecture on Art History & the Popular – ‘Elephanta’ was delivered by Prof. Sanjoy Kumar Mallik.
Jyoti Ranjan Swain, Managing Trustee of Ketaki Foundation Trust, delivering the vote of thanks.
A glimpse of the audience at the 5th Chandrasekhar Rao Memorial Lecture.