Padma Shri Premjit Baria is a distinguished Indian miniature artist, contemporary artist, and respected art educator from Diu in the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. Renowned for his lifelong dedication to fine arts, teaching, and cultural preservation, he has played a significant role in nurturing artistic talent and promoting Indian art traditions across generations.
Awarded the Padma Shri in 2023 in the field of Chitrakala (Fine Arts), Shri Baria is widely recognized for his mastery in miniature painting and contemporary art. His artistic journey reflects both technical excellence and a deep commitment to education, cultural engagement, and creative mentorship.
Born on 14 November 1952, Shri Baria pursued formal training in fine arts and completed his Diploma in Fine Arts and D.T.C. from Sheth C. N. College of Fine Arts, Ahmedabad (1970–1974). He went on to dedicate 37 years of service (1975–2012) as a Drawing Teacher for students of Standards VII to X, consistently achieving outstanding academic results and contributing to the development of visual arts education at the school level.
His excellence in education was recognized nationally when he received the “Best Art Teacher Award for 2005,” presented by the then President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi in 2006. Later, in 2023, he was conferred the Padma Shri Award by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Artistic Leadership and International Impact
Shri Baria has made a lasting impact as a mentor, guiding numerous students who have gone on to achieve recognition in international art competitions. Under his guidance, several young artists from Diu have received awards and honors from prestigious global platforms, including competitions organized by United Nations agencies and international cultural organizations in countries such as Thailand, Egypt, and Bulgaria.
Social and Cultural Contributions
Beyond his personal artistic practice, Shri Baria has contributed extensively to cultural development through his long-standing role as Director of the Bal Bhavan Board, Diu, a position he has held since 1996 without remuneration. In this capacity, he has organized workshops in traditional, miniature, and contemporary art in collaboration with cultural institutions, bringing together artists from across India and providing creative exposure to local communities and tourists.
He is also associated with the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, where he has actively participated in and facilitated art workshops and cultural programs aimed at promoting Indian heritage arts.
Exhibitions and Artistic Work
Shri Baria has showcased his work in solo and group exhibitions across India and abroad. His notable solo exhibition, titled “Diu: The Mirror of Portuguese Architecture,” featured black-and-white sketches and was held in 2006 at Panaji, Goa, under the sponsorship of the Consul General of Portugal.
He has also been part of several significant group exhibitions, including “RRUP – Art Group” (Udaipur, 2017) and “Spectrum Waves” (Diu, 2019), which brought together artists, administrators, and cultural leaders.
Participation in Kala Samvad Group Art Exhibitions, Mumbai
He has participated as a guest artist in several editions of the “Kala Samvad” Group Art Exhibitions at the prestigious Taj Art Gallery, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, including the 1st Group Art Exhibition (24 January 2025) and the 3rd Group Art Exhibition (24 April 2026). He was also a guest artist participant in the “Kala Samvad Mumbai Monsoon 2025 – 15th Day Group Art Exhibition, held at the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Mumbai, from 07 September to 21 September 2025, further strengthening his active presence in contemporary Indian art platforms.
Participation in National Art Camps
He has participated in multiple national-level art camps and festivals, including:
• National Art Festival, Kohima (2007) organized by Lalit Kala Akademi
• Kala Mela, Jaipur (2018) organized by Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi
• Chitrankan Contemporary Painters’ Camp, Goa (2019) organized by the Directorate of Art & Culture and West Zone Cultural Centre
Legacy and Recognition
Shri Baria’s artworks are part of several distinguished private and institutional collections, including those of former Presidents of India, Union Ministers, and other eminent public figures. His contributions have been widely acknowledged through appreciation letters from national leaders, senior administrators, and cultural personalities.
Contact Details:
Name: Padma Shri Premjit Baria
Mobile: +91 9662433966 | Email: premjitbaria66@gmail.com
City: Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, India
One Day Group Art Exhibition | for Artists Branding & Promotion | Date: 24th April 2026 | Time: 09.00am to 08.00pm
One Day Group Art Exhibition | for Artists Branding & Promotion | Date: 24 January 2025 | Time: 09.00am to 08.00pm
