Gehlot bats for promoting Rajasthani arts, artists

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today said his government has taken several initiatives to promote arts in the state and urged social organisations to extend support to artists.
"Despite several challenges, the country is united and litterateurs have important role in this. They with their writing work are making people aware and spreading message of unity and harmony and also working to promote art and culture," Gehlot said at a function here.
"This should continue without any problem, so the government is working to promote authors and social organisations should also come forward," Gehlot said.
He said the state government has been conferring 'Rajasthan Ratna' award for the last two years to encourage artists and has maintained a welfare fund for litterateurs.

Lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was also present at the event, underlined the importance of literature, culture, and folk art and said the local dialect and culture should not be neglected in a race to keep pace with fast changing times.
He called on the youth to work for the development of the nation.
Veteran actress Shabana Azami was also present at the function.