For selected for Rashtrapati Bhavan's in-residence programme

Two writers and two artists have been selected for Rashtrapati Bhavan's artist-in-residence programme from Sep 8, officials said Thursday.

Writers Yishey Doma Bhutia from Gangtok and Vempalli Gangadhar from Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, as also artists Rahool Saksena from Chennai and Pratap Sudhir Morey from Mumbai have been selected, a statement said.

All four persons have been selected through a nationwide application process and will reside in Rashtrapati Bhavan Sep 8-26.

During their stay, all of them are expected to make the quaint and serene environs of the premises their muse and let their artistic expressions translate into vivid imaginary and lucid writings.

Kolkata-based artist Jogen Chowdhary was the first artist selected for the programme. He believes this initiative will encourage young artists.

President Pranab Mukherjee had launched this programme in Dec, 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.