As part of the 4th India–Africa Forum Summit 2026, a special Painting Campaign was organised on May 21 at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam by the Northeast Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) in collaboration with Lalit Kala Akademi under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, with support from the Ministry of External Affairs.
The programme was held under the theme “India through the Lens of Africa” and featured participation from international artists, including Mr. Ashley Munsamy from South Africa, Ms. Amel Benmohamed from Algeria, Mr. Salaheddine Bouanani from Morocco and Ms. Wanja Githua from Kenya. The art camp activities were coordinated by nationally acclaimed artist Ms. Kukima Kakati.
The event began at 9:30 AM with a Jeep Safari and exposure visit inside Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, where delegates explored Assam’s rich biodiversity, including the famous One-Horned Rhinoceros, elephants, wild boars and wild buffaloes.
Following the safari, a live painting session was organised at Maibong Resort in Pobitora. During the session, artists created artworks inspired by India’s wildlife, culture and natural beauty, reflecting African artistic perspectives.
An interactive session with local media personnel, forest guards and wildlife workers was also held. The discussion focused on wildlife conservation, eco-cultural awareness and the role of art in promoting environmental consciousness.
The programme team was led by Dr. Gayatri Mathur, Programme Officer of Lalit Kala Akademi and Team Leader, along with Shri Naba Kumar Bharali, Programme Executive of NEZCC, under the supervision of Shri Oliver T. Pongen, Deputy Director (Programme), NEZCC.
Ms. Priyanka Gogoi (ACS), Circle Officer and representative of the Morigaon District Administration, attended the programme and welcomed the delegates and artists. Shri Ujjal Choudhury, Ranger and Forest Officer, also participated in the interaction session and shared insights into wildlife conservation efforts at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
