Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Padma Shri awardee Lalita Vakil has received a special invitation to attend the Republic Day celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In addition to the ceremony, the Hon’ble President has extended a personal invitation to join her for dinner, making the occasion even more memorable.
Vakil, renowned for her exquisite artistry on the traditional Chamba Rumal, expressed deep gratitude and joy at the honor. Since only a select few are invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan on Republic Day, her inclusion is being hailed as a proud moment not just for Himachal Pradesh but especially for Chamba district, recognized as an Aspirational District.
Reflecting on her journey, Lalita Vakil said that over her 55-year career she has worked selflessly to support underprivileged and needy girls, helping them pursue education and inspiring them to become self-reliant. Her dedication has led to invitations to prestigious events across India and abroad. The special dinner invitation from the President, she added, feels like recognition that her lifelong efforts are finally bearing fruit.
Vakil was conferred the Padma Shri for her outstanding contribution to the art of Chamba Rumal. Beyond this, she has received numerous national awards, with many in the art fraternity acknowledging that there is hardly any honor in the field of art that she has not achieved.
