Renowned Indian Painter and Former MP Jogen Chowdhury Passes Away
Renowned Indian painter, academic, and former Rajya Sabha member Jogen Chowdhury has passed away at the age of 87. He was widely celebrated for his unique fluid lines and cross-hatching technique, earning prestigious honors like the Kalidas Samman and Banga Bibhushan.
What happened
Renowned Indian painter and former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Jogen Chowdhury passed away at the age of 87 on Sunday morning, 25 October 2026, at 10:15 am. He breathed his last at Ruby General Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal.
He had been battling a rare type of blood cancer known as myeloproliferative neoplasm for about 14 to 15 months. He was hospitalised on 16 October 2026 and put on ventilator support after developing an infection and sepsis-related complications.
Important dates
| Date of Birth | 16 February 1939 |
|---|---|
| Date of Demise | 25 October 2026 |
| Kalidas Samman Award | 2001 |
| Banga Bibhushan Award | 2012 |
| Rajya Sabha Tenure | 2014 to 2020 |
📌 Static GK links
- Kalidas Samman is a prestigious arts award presented annually by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
- Banga Bibhushan is the highest civilian award conferred by the Government of West Bengal.
- Kala Bhavana is located at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, West Bengal.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India.
What candidates should do
- Aspirants should note his birth place, major awards received, and his tenure as a parliamentarian for current affairs and static GK questions in competitive exams.
- Revise notable Indian artists and cultural personalities who have held prominent institutional positions or received state honors.
PrepZen analysis
The passing of Jogen Chowdhury marks the end of an era in modern Indian art. Hailed globally for his distinctive style that captured human vulnerability through fluid lines and cross-hatching, Chowdhury made immense contributions not only to canvas art but also to institutional art administration, notably serving as the Keeper of Art at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Questions in banking, SSC, and state civil services exams frequently draw upon prominent personalities from art and culture, particularly regarding their literary or artistic contributions, national awards, and political or administrative roles.
Practice questions
Q1. Jogen Chowdhury, who passed away recently, was renowned in which of the following fields?
Q2. In which year was Jogen Chowdhury conferred with the Kalidas Samman?
Q3. Jogen Chowdhury served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha representing which political party?
He was a former Rajya Sabha member.
Born 16 February 1939 in Faridpur (now Bangladesh).
Received Kalidas Samman (2001) and Banga Bibhushan (2012).
Served as Keeper of Art at Rashtrapati Bhavan (1972-1987).
🎯 Key Point: Noted Indian painter and ex-MP Jogen Chowdhury passed away.
FAQs
Who was Jogen Chowdhury?
Jogen Chowdhury was a renowned Indian painter, academic, and former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament.
What major awards were given to Jogen Chowdhury?
He received the Kalidas Samman in 2001 and the Banga Bibhushan in 2012.
Did Jogen Chowdhury hold any official art curatorship role?
Yes, he served as the Keeper of Art at Rashtrapati Bhavan from 1972 to 1987.
Which political party did Jogen Chowdhury represent in the Rajya Sabha?
He represented the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) during his tenure from 2014 to 2020.
Sources and references
- newsonair.gov.in (newsonair.gov.in) Official
- newindianexpress.com (www.newindianexpress.com)
- thesamaja.com (www.thesamaja.com)
- deccanchronicle.com (www.deccanchronicle.com)
Prepared by PrepZen for exam preparation. Consult the linked sources for original announcements and current details. Corrections policy. Spotted an error? Write to prepzen.app@gmail.com.
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