Approached to sketch parliament calendar: artist Jogen Chowdhury

Artist and Trinamool MP Jogen Chowdhury, the first artist-in-residence at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Friday said he has been approached by Rajya Sabha's secretary general to contribute sketches for a calendar themed on parliament.

According to West Bengal government sources, the Rajya Sabha MP will do 12 sketches corresponding to each month for the 2015 parliament calendar.

Contacted by IANS, Chowdhury said, "I have been asked unofficially yesterday (Thursday) to do sketches for the parliament calendar. I am waiting for the official proposal. This (project) will probably happen... it is under consideration."

"After it is official, I can confirm the details," Chowdhury told IANS.

Kolkata-based Chowdhury was the first artist to stay at Rashtrapati Bhavan under the "in-residence scheme for writers and artists".

He had earlier worked as "Keeper of Art" at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1972, the first time he came to Delhi.

President Pranab Mukherjee had launched this programme in December 2013 to "encourage young and upcoming artists and writers" by facilitating them stay close to nature in the picturesque and serene surroundings of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Chowdhury's residency programme ended Aug 14.