In a moment of pride for Ladakh, artist Skarma Sonam Tashi has been conferred the National Award at the 64th National Exhibition of Art, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The award ceremony took place on August 5, 2025, in New Delhi.

Skarma’s award-winning work, titled “My Homeland – 3,” is a striking sculpture that captures the essence of Ladakh’s landscapes and traditional architecture. Crafted from recycled materials such as cardboard, papier-mâché, and natural pigments, the piece embodies themes of sustainability and ecological awareness, setting it apart for its originality and relevance.

This marks a historic first, as Skarma Sonam Tashi becomes the first artist from Ladakh to receive this prestigious national honour, a significant milestone for the region’s art community.

The ongoing exhibition features a wide array of contemporary Indian artworks and is open to the public until September 15, 2025.