Usha Vohra, First Lady, inaugurated 51st Annual State Art Exhibition at the Kala Kendra here today.Mrs. Vohra keenly viewed the paintings and sculptures presented by the artists. She observed that any work of art is the best when the artist is able to give meaningful expression to his thoughts and successfully transfer it to the viewer. Herself a keen photographer and an ardent art lover, Mrs. Vohra lauded the works displayed, complimented the artists and urged them to continue their endeavours in their chosen fields.Mrs. Vohra noted that for encouraging artists and enabling their survival there is urgent need for exploring and organizing the marketing of their artistic creations. She also urged Mr. Hajini to ensure the proper preservation of the precious cultural heritage of the State.Mrs. Vohra presented awards to the winners. Ms. Renu Bala and Mr. Rouf Qayasi were given cash awards of Rs. 51,000 for Sculpture and Painting, respectively, in the Artist Category and Mr. Ankit Sudan, Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Bhat and Mr. Subash Anand were given Certificates of Merit and Consolation Prizes of Rs. 1000. In the Students category Mr. Jaswinder Singh and Mr. Mohammad Yunus were given cash awards of Rs. 10,000 each for Painting and Sculpture, respectively. Mr. Mohammad Sayeed Teli and Mr. Sachin Kumar were given Certificates of Merit and Consolation Prizes of Rs. 1000 each, in this category.Dr. Aziz Hajini, Secretary, JK Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in the Welcome Address informed that the Academy received 129 entries of which 111 were Paintings and 18 Sculptures.