Art auction, limited edition calender for saving the tiger

The limited edition "Save our Tigers" 2013 calender launched here today contains artwork by the masters who participated in an art project "Strokes for Stripes," a joint initiative by telecom player Aircel with Galerie Art Eterne.

Works produced under the project were also auctioned off with artist Sanjay Bhattacharya's oil painting on an animated tiger going under the hammer for Rs five lakh, the highest paid during the auction, that managed to raise a total of over Rs 16 lakhs.

"The money raised from the auction will be used to educate and inform people especially students on importance of saving our national animal with the support of Wildlife Trust of India", said Anupam Vasudev CMO, Aircel.

The company has been associated with "Save our Tigers" project since the year 2008.

"We are doing this tiger programme and other initiatives to raise awareness about conserving tigers for its habitat", added Anupam.

Bollywood lyricist, author and poet Prasoon Joshi penned a few lines for the event.

"In this world people are concerned about many things including protecting temples and other major concerns. Nobody is thinking about the tigers...The major problem faced is poaching and I feel implementation of proper laws will only help for a solution in this matter," said Joshi who was present at the auction.

Recent estimates say the country's tiger population has increased to 1706 from 1411 tigers from previous estimates.

"Wildlife conservation would not be possible without support and funding from charitable organisations,institutions and individuals. CSR focused on wildlife has also been on a rise in the country, which is a positive trend, said Vivek Menon, Executive Director, Wildlife trust of India (WTI).

Proceeds from the auction were donated to the WTI.

A limited edition "Strokes for Stripes" calendar was also launched at the event, which also saw a performance by Grammy nominated music composer Louis Banks.

Other artists who participated in the project include Jai Zharotia, Niladri Paul, Niren Sengupta, Ajay Zharotia, Krishnendu Porel, Pratul Dash, P Shivani Bhardawaj, Amarendra Maharana, Prittam Priyalochan, Sandeep Jigdung and Binita Dasgupta.