Chandigarh: A city-based conceptual photographer and artist Diwan Manna has been conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 by the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi in recognition of his contribution to art and culture. The award ceremony was held at the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, on Friday. Renowned artist Sudarshan Shetty presented the award, followed by an audiovisual presentation of Manna’s work, The Turmoil Within.
He completed a five-year diploma in Graphic Art and Printmaking from the Government College of Art, Chandigarh, before turning to photography in the early 1980s. Besides his artistic practice, Manna has played a significant role in promoting contemporary art in the region. He has served as chairman of the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi and president of the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi.
Born in 1958 in Bareta, Punjab, Manna is regarded as a pioneer of conceptual photography in India. His earlier accolades include the National Academy Award in 1996 and All India Photography Awards in 1995 and 1996.
