'Rashtrapati Bhavan's artist-in residence programme encouraging'

Artist Jogen Chowdhury feels the "artist-in residence at Rashtrapati Bhavan" initiative is encouraging for young artists and shows how much respect President Pranab Mukherjee has for creative minds.

"President is giving more importance to art and this initiative is a testimony of that," Chowdhury told reporters here Monday.

"So when the head of the nation gives importance to artists, they feel encouraged," he added.

Kolkata-based Chowdhury is 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.

"So this opportunity has brought in nostalgia, because I have met many people who are still here," he added.

Chowdhury's residency programme will end Aug 14.

He is also a Rajya Sabha MP and has been regularly attending the parliament sessions.

Chowdhury feels the serene and quite environment of Rashtrapati Bhavan will help young minds to nurture.

"Where else in Delhi one will find a place like this where one will wake up in the morning listening to birds and peacocks," he asked.

"Artists will get more ideas sitting quietly in this place," he added.