The excitement was palpable as alumni, friends and well-wishers from the art community walked in to mark a special day and celebrate an incredible 50 years.

The welcome desk at INTERSECTIONS

Held at the beautiful Arthshila Delhi, the exhibition, which runs from 8th February to 30th April 2026, showcases a cross-section of the work of artists supported by the Foundation over the last five decades. Along with many of the featured artists, Inlaks alumni across opportunities as well as collaborators graced the opening with their presence, recalling stories, reviving connections and forging new ones. The show has been curated by Artistic Director Priya Pall.

Country Director Priyanka Varma began the evening by recalling the vision of the Foundation. Its 50th anniversary celebrations, she continued, were truly a celebration of its alumni, whose generous support has propelled the Foundation forward and helped it thrive.

Trustee Olympia Shivdasani speaking at the event

Trustee Olympia Shivdasani shared her joy at watching the Foundation evolve over the years, and welcomed Chairperson Azad Shivdasani to address the guests live from London. He recalled the vision that brought the Foundation into being and how it continued to grow with the support of an incredible group of people. He narrated the story of how it expanded the fields in which it offered Scholarships to include the arts, adding that by widening its range of opportunities in art over the years, "Inlaks has seeded several generations of artists that have had a deep impact on the Indian cultural landscape over the last 45 years."

Chairperson Azad Shivdasani addresses the audience

Artistic Director of the Exhibition Priya Pall then took everyone through the idea behind INTERSECTIONS, and how it came into being. This was followed by long-time Inlaks champion, ex-Director and special advisor for INTERSECTIONS Amita Malkani welcoming a glittering panel of Inlaks art alumni including Rekha Rodwittiya, Sheela Gowda, Indrapramit Roy, Gigi Scaria and Shaina Anand, who joined live online from Australia, to share their views on 'Art in the Age of Anxiety', moderated by celebrated art critic and curator Gayatri Sinha.

Art critic and curator Gayatri Sinha moderating a panel with Inlaks art alumni Rekha Rodwittiya, Indrapramit Roy, Sheela Gowda, Gigi Scaria and Shaina Anand

Programming lead for INTERSECTIONS Zoya Kathawala then gave the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the participating artists, Arthshila, the curatorial team and all the others involved in bringing the exhibition to life.

Clockwise from top left: Priyanka Varma, Priya Pall, Zoya Kathawala and Amita Malkani speaking at the event

Many attendees proceeded to delve into the exhibition and the thinking behind it, with a curator-led walkthrough with Priya Pall. Others raised a toast to the occasion on the terrace over wine, canapés and sparkling conversation.

Artistic Director Priya Pall and artist Manisha Parekh with attendees during a curator-led walkthrough

Throughout the evening, the beautiful artworks on display continued to spark thought-provoking conversation and reflection, marking a beautiful opening to over a month of celebrating and championing Indian art and artists.

Attendees watching an exhibit

To see the highlight video of the opening ceremony, click here