Writers, artists 'In-Residence' call on president

President Pranab Mukherjee Monday said if artists and writers are able to make any difference in their respective fields under the Rashtrapati Bhavan's "In-Residence" venture, the programme's objective would be fulfilled.

The programme launched in 2013 was aimed at providing an environment which will inspire creative thinking and rejuvenate artistic impulses among artists and writers.

The president hoped that the opportunity to stay in the Rashtrapati Bhavan would ignite the artists' and writers' creativity and sharpen their skills.

"...in future they will make many more contributions in their fields and if their stay here is able to make any difference in that regard, I would consider the objective of the programme as fulfilled," Mukherjee said when the second batch of artists and writers called on him.

Writers and artists "In-Residence" are Mumbai-based artist Pratap Morey, Gangtok-based Sikkim Sahitya Samman winner Yishey Doma Bhutia, Telugu writer Vempalli Gangadhar and Chennai-based artist Rahool Saksena.

They have been staying in the Rashtrapati Bhavan since Sep 8 as part of a three-week "In-Residence" programme. They will stay there till Sep 26.

The president said the objective of the programme was to enable the writers and artists to be part of life in Rashtrapati Bhavan and stay in an atmosphere where they are in perfect harmony with nature.

"It was part of his (president's) objective to open up Rashtrapati Bhavan to the people and demystify it. He wished the participants of the programme all success in the years to come," said an official statement.

Mukherjee launched the programme Dec 11, 2013, with a view to encouraging senior artists as well as young and upcoming individuals by facilitating their stay close to nature in the picturesque and serene surroundings of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.