Chief minister Nitish Kumar interacts with Bihar Lalit Kala Academy director Anandi Prasad Badal after inaugurating his painting exhibition in Patna on Tuesday. Around 72 paintings of Badal were put up at the exhibition. All the exhibits are acrylic and oil paintings on canvas. Badal said the exhibition did not have a particular theme. "For me, painting is my life. It took me almost a year to complete these paintings, all of which depict different impressions of colours and motifs. Nowadays, young artists do not take up art and painting as a profession as they won't earn enough," said Badal. Nitish lauded Badal's work and appreciated his efforts. Art, culture and youth affairs minister Shiv Chandra Ram, principal secretary and IAS officer Chaitanya Prasad and several other dignitaries were present at the exhibition. Shiv Chandra Ram said Badal was a true inspiration for amateur artists. "Artists in Bihar are full of creative ideas. We need to enhance their skills. The department will soon organise an exhibition-cum-sale of sculptures," he said. Text by Faryal Rumi, picture by Deepak Kumar