New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- Emphasising that art is not merely confined to canvas or stone sculptures but serves as a true "mirror of culture", President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday called for empowering traditional and rural artists with modern training, market access, and economic support to help them compete at national and global levels.

Addressing the award ceremony of the 65th National Exhibition of Art in the national capital here, President Murmu highlighted the rich diversity of India's folk and tribal art forms, including Saura, Sohrai, Madhubani, and Gond paintings.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Vivek Aggarwal were among the dignitaries present on the occasi...