Unnao: In a significant step towards promoting art education and cultural activities in rural and semi-urban regions, the grand inauguration ceremony of the Sheela Creation Art Training Centre and Anamika Art Gallery will be held on May 25, 2026, at 12 noon on Malihabad Road in Mohan, Unnao, under the ambitious Matribhoomi Yojana of the Uttar Pradesh Government.
The event will be attended by Om Prakash Rajbhar as the chief guest. The Anamika Art Gallery will be formally inaugurated by Manoj Kumar Singh. Distinguished guests at the ceremony will include Swami Sachchidanand Hari Sakshi and Brijesh Kumar Rawat, along with several senior officials from the state and district administration.
The cultural initiative has been inspired by renowned artist Sheela Sharma, whose life journey is regarded as an extraordinary example of courage, creativity, and determination. Despite losing both her hands in a train accident during childhood, she continued to pursue art using her feet and mouth as mediums of expression, eventually earning national and international recognition.
An alumna of Lucknow College of Arts and Crafts, Sheela Sharma has held solo exhibitions at several prestigious art centres across the country. She has also been honoured with numerous accolades, including the National Award, the Junior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, and fellowships from the Uttar Pradesh Culture Department.
The newly established centre aims to provide a strong platform for talented youth, students, and art enthusiasts from both rural and urban areas by offering training, exhibitions, and opportunities for creative expression. Meanwhile, the Anamika Art Gallery will showcase the works of regional, contemporary, and specially-abled artists, helping decentralize art and cultural opportunities beyond metropolitan cities.
A key contributor to the realization of this project has been sculptor Sudhir Sharma, husband of Sheela Sharma, who played an important role in the development of the initiative and has consistently mentored young artists. Members of the younger generation of the family are also actively associated with the cultural mission.
Notably, apart from support from the Uttar Pradesh Government, Sheela Sharma herself contributed financially towards the establishment of the centre, reflecting her social commitment and dedication to the arts. Future plans for the campus include murals dedicated to literary and artistic icons, a guest house, and the organization of various cultural and educational programmes.
Artists, students, cultural enthusiasts, and citizens from all walks of life have been cordially invited to attend the inauguration ceremony.
