The Indian Institute of Management Jammu’s three-day Live Art Workshop, held from 6th to 8th September 2025 at its Jagti Campus, concluded in a vibrant celebration of colors, creativity, and contemplation. The workshop was led by internationally acclaimed painter Shri Kamlesh K. Gandhi, fondly known as KK Gandhi, whose artistry transformed the campus into a living canvas, where each brushstroke became a dialogue and every hue a meditation on imagination and leadership. 

The final painting of the workshop was unveiled by Shri KK Gandhi and Swamiji Vijayeshananda of the Ramakrishna Mission, Jammu, in the presence of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, symbolizing a harmonious convergence of wisdom, creativity, and spiritual inspiration.

Organized as part of IIM Jammu’s 10th Year Celebrations, the event seamlessly blended art with education, inspiring participants to explore the interplay between creativity, vision, and expression. The evening at Mandapam resonated with admiration as Shri KK Gandhi was felicitated for his extraordinary contribution to merging art and pedagogy. In a special recognition of young talent, student artworks were also acknowledged, highlighting the promise and vibrancy of their evolving artistic expression. On this occasion, Swamiji Vijayeshananda, Rama Krishna Mission, Jammu was felicitated by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and he also felicitated Prof. B.S. Sahay, marking a memorable celebration of collaboration and shared vision.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, warmly welcomed Swamiji Vijayeshananda and Shri KK Gandhi, emphasizing that every painting is priceless, reflecting creativity, learning, and imagination. He highlighted IIM Jammu’s commitment to blending tradition, culture, and modernity through initiatives such as the Bandhan Cultural Immersion Initiative, the upcoming installation of Maa Saraswati’s statue by IGNCA, and the Swami Vivekananda statue at Rotary Circle III, all serving as enduring symbols of knowledge and inspiration. He noted that Shri KK Gandhi’s brushstrokes convey unity, resilience, and beauty, reinforcing IIM Jammu’s vision of becoming a Center of Excellence. Part of the Institute’s 10th Year Celebrations, the workshop exemplified holistic growth, where culture, art, and imagination enrich management education.

He highlighted the integration of performing arts in the IPM curriculum, taught by Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, and noted that Shri KK Gandhi’s workshop offered students a rare opportunity to learn directly from a globally renowned artist, including a painting module in the IPM program to be taught by him. He proposed establishing a painting club open to all, showcasing student and faculty artwork, and announced plans for a week-long International Painting Symposium featuring artists from India and abroad. He emphasized that art, like music and theatre, fosters creativity and expression and recommended incorporating performing arts electives into the MBA program. Sharing his personal passion for painting, he praised Shri KK Gandhi’s work as a “masterstroke” and thanked the students for their enthusiastic participation, making the workshop a resounding success.

Internationally acclaimed artist Shri KK Gandhi reflected on India’s rich cultural heritage, noting that while the nation contributes only 0.5% to the global art scene in terms of recognition, its traditions and art forms have been carefully preserved over centuries. He highlighted institutions like the Patna Museum and the Bihar Museum, which safeguard India’s artistic legacy, and expressed gratitude to leaders like Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, who actively promote art and culture. He acknowledged Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu efforts in conducting talent hunts across Jammu & Kashmir, which helped identify stalwarts such as Padma Shri Balwant Thakur and himself. He remarked that as IIM Jammu is now an Institute of National Importance, it is a matter of immense pride and a responsibility on him to contribute meaningfully. Reflecting on his personal journey, Shri Gandhi recalled that he began as a businessman, not a formally trained artist, and humorously noted that pursuing art with dedication requires “a touch of madness (pagalpanti).” He attributed his artistic strength to the blessings of Maa Saraswati and shared his joy in conducting the live painting session at IIM Jammu, which he said symbolized the integration of art, creativity, and leadership in education. He commended the students’ enthusiastic participation, which brought life and meaning to the workshop, and praised IIM Jammu’s vision in creating a unique platform where culture, art, and learning converge for holistic development.

Swamiji Vijayeshananda of the Ramakrishna Mission began the session at IIM Jammu with a profound Sanskrit shlok, setting a reflective and uplifting tone. During the visit, he and his team met Prof. B.S. Sahay to discuss a collaborative program commemorating the historic Chicago Parliament of 1893, where Swami Vivekananda delivered his iconic address, scheduled for 11th September 2025. Swamiji emphasized that every young individual is an ideal, acknowledging unsung heroes who sacrificed for the nation and highlighting the transformative potential of each person. Drawing inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, he stressed: “What you think, you become,” urging participants to awaken their inner potential and strive for excellence. Reflecting on Vivekananda’s life, he noted that though he passed away at 39, his legacy continues to inspire the world with India’s philosophy and spirit. The session concluded with a shared commitment to propagate these teachings. A painting of a monk featured in the artwork unveiled during the session, and it was a remarkable coincidence that Swamiji Vijayeshananda could be present for the unveiling, making the moment feel as if divinely orchestrated.

Beyond being a workshop, the event became a symphony of brush and vision, a dialogue between silence and expression, and a celebration of nature’s eternal grace alongside the human spirit’s ceaseless quest for beauty. By celebrating the work of Shri KK Gandhi and the creativity of its students, IIM Jammu reaffirmed its philosophy that education transcends the intellect; it awakens the senses, nurtures the spirit, and shapes leaders who bring both wisdom and wonder into the world. The workshop culminated with a vote of thanks, followed by the National Anthem, leaving an indelible mark on the participants and the IIM Jammu community.