PM releases book of essays on Indian paintings

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today released a book of essays on Indian paintings and lauded his college friend for his role in making people more aware of the nuances of Indian art.
Releasing the book 'Indian Painting: Themes, History and Interpretations: Essays in Honour of Prof B N Goswami' Singh recalled his long association with Goswami.
"I have of course no claim to have done anything in the field of art but I do claim that I have known Brijender (Goswami) from his college days when we both were students in Hindu College, Amritsar, and later on in Punjab University college and still later on when we both taught in the Punjab University," he said.

The Prime Minister said his work, particularly in the area of Indian painting, has been deeply influential.
"He has made the world at large more aware of the nuances of Indian art through a variety of ways, including teaching in universities in the United States and Europe," Singh said.
He said Goswami had joined the Punjab University after saying no to a career in the Indian Administrative Service for which he had qualified.
"In those days quitting the IAS, the privileged service that it was, was a very difficult decision and unheard of thing to do but then Goswami has always been a man of conviction," he said.

He said Goswami's birthday today was a "double bonanza" as reputed scholars from all over the world have come together to contribute to this magnificent volume being published in his honour.