Leaders unite to reimagine India’s cultural economy at PHDCCI Art & Culture Conclave 2025

New Delhi – PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted the Art & Culture Conclave 2025 today at PHD House, New Delhi, convening distinguished voices from government, art, music and culture to deliberate on the intersection of heritage and economics in shaping India’s creative future.

The inaugural session featured Chief Guest, Smt. Rashmi Singh (IAS), Secretary, Department of Art, Culture & Languages, Government of NCT of Delhi, who lauded Delhi’s role as a cultural capital. She emphasized that art and culture are not just about aesthetics, but also about livelihoods, inclusivity and sustainability. “Delhi is a living museum of languages, traditions and heritage. Our responsibility is to safeguard this wealth while making it accessible to all sections of society,” she noted.

Delivering the Theme Address, Mr. Chhatrapati Ranjit Rai, Chair – Art & Culture Committee, PHDCCI, stressed the importance of building an ecosystem where art and culture are not restricted to elite circles, but are positioned as inclusive and sustainable drivers of India’s growth.

Mrs. Anuradha Goel, Chairperson, PHD Family Welfare Foundation, further underlined the need to ensure that the fruits of culture and creativity reach every community and region, broadening access and strengthening India’s inclusive development narrative.

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, highlighted the Chamber’s 120-year-old legacy in advancing not only business, but also intellectual and cultural dialogue. He described art and culture as India’s strongest soft power and urged that their preservation must go hand in hand with sustainability. “By bridging preservation with sustainability, we can ensure that this sector flourishes as a vital part of India’s growth journey,” he said.

Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, partners and participants, noting that the conclave reflects PHDCCI’s vision of integrating heritage with modernity and creating platforms that transform culture into opportunities for the future.

The discussions during the day addressed the pressing economic and social questions facing India’s creative sector. The first panel, ‘Beyond the canvas – The ecosystem of art & galleries’, moderated by Mr. Kishore Singh, Author & Former Head of Exhibitions & Publications, Delhi Art Gallery, featuring Ms. Vandana Kalra, Senior Art Writer, The Indian Express; Ms. Ranjana Steinruecke, Director, Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Delhi & Mumbai; and Ms. Payal Kapoor, Owner, Arushi Arts, explored how emerging artists can gain wider visibility and how art can move beyond exclusive spaces to resonate with society at large. Panellists stressed inclusivity, accessibility and community engagement as essential to democratizing art and strengthening the gallery ecosystem.

The second session, ‘The economics behind classical music concerts’, moderated by Ms. Suanshu Khurana, Senior Assistant Editor, The Indian Express, including Pandit Vishwanath, Eminent Hindustani Classical Vocalist; Mr. Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder & Festival Director, Seher, New Delhi; and Ms. Rashmi Malik, Director, Spic Macay, reflected on the financial challenges of sustaining classical performances in a changing cultural landscape. Speakers highlighted the urgent need for corporate patronage, CSR initiatives and innovative funding models to ensure that classical music not only survives but thrives with new audiences.

The evening was graced by Justice Arjan Sikri, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, Chief Guest for the cultural segment. In his address, he underlined the vital role of cultural heritage in shaping national identity. He observed that a nation draws strength not only from its economy, but also from its civilisational roots and urged collective responsibility for preserving and promoting India’s traditions.

The conclave concluded with ‘Mehfil-e-Ghazal’, a soulful performance by celebrated Bollywood Sufi and Ghazal singer Mr. Javed Khan Kalawant, alongside Mr. Chhatrapati Ranjit Rai. Their mesmerizing renditions immersed the audience in timeless melodies and provided a fitting finale to a day of thought-provoking conversations.

As participants continued their exchanges over hi-tea and networking, the conclave reaffirmed PHDCCI’s commitment to positioning art and culture not merely as legacies to be preserved, but as dynamic, inclusive and sustainable pillars of India’s economic and social growth.

The conclave was supported by C & R Textiles, PHD Family Welfare Foundation and Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke.