The priceless “Maharaja Collection” of artworks of Air India will be kept in this country’s National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). Paintings from renowned artists including Jatin Das, Anjali Ela Menon, M.F. Hussain, and Radhaji are included in the art collection.
An MoU was signed for the transfer of the artworks to NGMA at a programme on Wednesday, which Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, and G. Kishan Reddy, the Minister of Tourism Culture and Development, both attended.
Speaking at the event, Scindia noted that spiritual forces and moral principles had driven India’s 5,000-year history. He stated that the Prime Minister has emphasized that India should become not only an economic superpower but also take the lead in a worldwide cultural renaissance.
Scindia proposed that the art pieces’ exhibition be expanded to include other countries as well as different regions of India, showcasing the country’s rich cultural legacy. The minister praised J.R.D. Tata for his pioneering spirit and added that Air India has been a pioneer in its own right.
He said that in addition to modern art masterpieces, the showpieces being given to NGMA also comprise a large selection of fine handlooms, sculptures, and other works of art. According to Reddy, the MoU would transfer the precious art collection that Air India has owned since 1953 to the NGMA, a division of the Ministry of Culture.
He continued, “The paintings and artworks will now take their proper place.” Mugdha Sinha, joint secretary for culture, and Satyendra Kumar Mishra, joint secretary for civil aviation, along with NGMA director Temsunaro Tripathi, chief executive officer of Air India Asset Holding Limited (AIAHL), Vikram Dev Dutt, and Kalpana Rao, a representative of Air India Ltd., signed the MoU.