Sikkim writer gets chance to be part of 'In-residence programme' at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Journalist-turned-writer Yishey Doma Bhutia from Sikkim is one of the four selected participants living at Rashtrapati Bhawan as part of its In-residence programme for writers and artists.

Bhutia has to her credit a number of books like Legends of the Lepchas: Folktales from Sikkim and Sikkim: the Hidden Fruitful Valley.

She has received the Sikkim Sahitya Samman for the year 2013.

She believes that such programmes are a big encouragement for young writers like her.

"It is a very big initiative. It was I think the President's idea and it's the need of the hour. Such kind of programmes, especially for writers coming from the northeastern states like Sikkim, I think they do need this kind of exposure because I don't think these kind of things are available in that part of the country. So this kind of exposure programme will definitely help them take up writing as a career," the young writer said.

The In-residence programme for writers and artists was launched by the president in December last year.

Besides Bhutia, the present batch comprises - Dr Vempalli Gangadhar, a Telugu writer and artists Pratap Morey from Mumbai and Rahul Saxena from Chennai.

During their stay in Rashtrapati Bhavan till September 26, they will interact with various prominent personalities, besides visiting historical places in the capital.

Shamima Siddiqui, Deputy Press Secretary to the President said, "This programme for writers and artists in residence was launched in December 2013 by the honourable president and the aim is to encourage artists and writers by facilitating them in staying close to nature in the picturesque and serene surroundings of Rashtrapati Bhawan. The idea is to facilitate the creative thinking and to rejuvenate their artistic impulses.

Yishey Doma Bhutia further added, "I am experiencing the thrill of a life time because the Rashtrapati Bhavan is open to me. I think I am very lucky to get this opportunity. If I want to read books, it's easily accessible to me. If I want to go to the Mughal gardens, it's open to me. So it has come as a big opportunity, a big encouragement for me and I am enjoying it."

Such initiatives facilitate a means of cultural and intellectual exchange by bringing together artists from different parts of the country.

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