Ehsaas-e-Qalam aur Pashm: a confluence of calligraphy, Pashmina and Dhrupad

Ehsaas-e-Qalam aur Pashm, a multidisciplinary cultural initiative, will be presented by QCCT in collaboration with the India International Centre (IIC) and Ehsaas at the Main Art Gallery, Kamla Devi Complex, IIC. The exhibition will be inaugurated on January 28 at 6 PM and will remain open to the public from January 29 to February 8.

Bringing together calligraphy, Pashmina shawls and Hindustani classical music, the exhibition features a solo calligraphy presentation by Qamar Dagar, curated by Manisha Gawade, alongside a display of Pashmina shawls by Ehsaas. The opening evening will include a Dhrupad vocal performance by Padma Shri awardee Ustaad Wasifuddin Dagar, representing the Dagar gharana.

The calligraphy works explore the relationship between language, form and emotion, using traditional qalam, inks and acrylics. Drawing inspiration from philosophy, music and contemplation, the compositions interpret words as visual and rhythmic expressions rather than text alone.

A documentary conceptualised and curated by Manisha Gawade will be screened as part of the initiative, featuring Ustaad Wasifuddin Dagar, Qamar Dagar and senior visual artists including Anki Bhutia, Vimmi Indra, Sonaali Durga Chaudhri, Durga Kainthola, Shridhar Iyer, Niladri Paul, Prof Niren Sengupta, Priyendra Shukla and sculptor Gagan Vij.

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Conceived as part of Ehsaas 2026: Eminent Artists of India Unite to Save the Pashmina Legacy, the initiative also seeks to draw attention to the challenges facing traditional Pashmina weaving and the need for its conservation through collaborative cultural engagement.

When: January 29 – February 8

Where: Main Art Gallery, Kamla Devi Complex, India International Centre, New Delhi