Honoured to be part of Modi book: Indian artist

UAE-based Indian artist Akbar Saheb says he is honoured to be part of a new book based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches broadcast on radio programme 'Mann ki Baat'.

Akbar has done the 11 illustrations in the book -- apart from the one on the cover.

The book, which deals with topics as diverse as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and bonds of humanity, was unveiled on Friday at Rashtrapati Bhavan here in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee.

The illustrations, made using waterproofing ink as a medium for artwork on paper, are themed around the Prime Minister's different speeches, each giving out a positive message to the public.

"This is a huge honour for me; I feel extremely fortunate to be part of the book 'Mann ki Baat', which, as a radio programme, has been a social revolution, giving voice to thousands of Indians," the 54-year-old artist said.

Born in Mangalore in Karnataka, the artist has been living in Dubai for the past 22 years.

Akbar had earlier done a series of 12 paintings themed on the Prime Minister and his achievements over 12 years, which were also exhibited in Baroda in Gujarat in early 2015.

"I have been reading about Modi for 15 years but met him only in August 2015 when he visited the UAE. He left an indeliable impression on me as a people's person. I'm humbled that he remembered me and I am mentioned as his well-wisher in the book," Akbar added.

--IANS

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