Port Blair, Jan 24: An interactive programme – ‘ek mulaqat- chitrakaron ke saath’, was organized by Kala Kendra- a Society under the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, at the Art Gallery & Studio at Gandhi Park here this evening. The First Lady of A&N Islands, Smt. Suneeti Singh graced the occasion as the chief guest. The programme was also attended by Smt Rupa Ray, Smt Sheela Singh Chairperson, PBMC, besides a number of prominent women social workers, Director, Deptt of Art & Culture, Dr. R Devdas and officers from the A&N Administration.
The First Lady took a round of the studio, evincing keen interest in the paintings and sculptures, on display there. She also interacted with the artists on the occasion. Presently 46 paintings and sculptures of nineteen renowned visual artists of the Islands are on display at this Gallery.
The First Lady also interacted with the team of Govt. Girls Sr. Sec. School that won first prize in the Visual Art category during the Kala Utsav held at New Delhi recently. One of the participants also explained about their display in Kala Utsav, which is a combination of 2D & 3D visual art on the theme ‘Hidden Art of our Tribes (Jarawas & Onges) – Body and Accessory Painting’.
The First Lady also gave away prizes to the winners of the painting competition organized for school children on the theme ‘Netaji in Andamans’ by Kala Kendra recently. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the First Lady said, this Art Gallery & Studio is a good opportunity and platform for all the artistes here. She suggested that the Art Gallery & Studio be kept open for tourists and more collections be added. She also advised that the paintings of each artist be displayed in a proper manner, along with the Artist’s name and price of the paintings. She lauded the creative talents of the artistes and wished them luck. The First Lady also painted a stroke on the canvas on the occasion.
V.Naveen of IX B, SSS Nirmala, Asmita Lal of IX B, SSS Carmel, Anal Majhi of VIII, SSS Carmel secured the first, second and third prizes respectively while Y. Vineet Narayan of VIII, St. Mary’s School and Nupur Barui of VII B, Govt. Model Ferrargunj were awarded the consolation prizes. The Asst Director, Deptt of Art & Culture, Dr. Rashida Iqbal conducted the programme.
