Rashtrapati Bhavan's 'In-residence programme' to feature two artists, two writers

The Rashtrapati Bhavan's 'In-Residence Programme' will feature two artists and two writers in September this year.

The writers and artists selected by an expert committee on the basis of a nation-wide application process are : Yishey Doma Bhutia from Gangtok, Sikkim; Dr. Vempalli Gangadhar from Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh; Rahool Saksena from Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Pratap Sudhir Morey from Mumbai, Maharashtra. They will stay at the Rashtrapati Bhavan from September 8 to 26, this year.

Dr. Vempalli Gangadhar, a writer in Telugu, was awarded Yuva Puraskar of Sahitya Academyi in 2011 for his work 'Molakala Punnami'. He has written many books and articles on issues of farmers, women and the drought prone area of Rayalaseema.

Yishey Doma Bhutia, winner of the Sikkim Sahitya Samman 2013 is a journalist and writer. Presently Copy Editor of Sikkim Express, she has written several books including Legends of the Lepchas: Folktales from Sikkim; Sikkim: the Hidden Fruitful Valley; Sikkim A Traveller's Companion; the Legacy Maker: Pawan Chamling's Ideas that Shaped Sikkim etc.

Rahool Saksena describes himself as an 'Artist of Change' who transforms everyday material into unexpected art forms. He believes that this quest for transformation forms the core - a rock solid foundation for multiple possibilities. Saksena became a full time artist after relinquishing a 15 year career in the corporate world with various MNCs.

Pratap Sudhir Morey is an artist who has received many awards. His artworks have also been exhibited at various places in India and abroad. The central idea of Morey's work revolves around the body, urban space and the connection between both. Through his work, he addresses issues of redevelopment, displacement and radical growth of urban space.

The 'In-Residence' Programme for writers, artists was launched by the President of India on December 11, 2013 with a view to encourage young and upcoming writers and artists by facilitating them stay close to nature in the picturesque and serene surroundings of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Programme seeks to provide an environment which will inspire creative thinking and rejuvenate artistic impulses.

Jogen Chowdhary, MP (Rajya Sabha); former Keeper (Art), Rashtrapati Bhavan and Prof. Emeritus of Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan was the first Artist In-Residence under the above programme.