Sarkar also handed over prizes and citation to the 10 National Akademi Award winners whose works were also showcased at the Nazrul Kalakshetra here.
"We have chosen Agartala this year for the event based on the ability of the state and the ground realities out there, they must at least have the fabric to conduct such a show," said Sudhakar Sharma, secretary of Lalit Kala Akademi.
The National Exhibition of Art organised since 1959 has been attracting artists from across the country who are chosen by a group of panelists selected by the LKA.
The exhibition comprised 124 art works selected from a competitive entry of 8047 works by 3185 artists from across the country and includes the works of 10 National Award winners of this year.
The award carries prize money of Rs 1 lakh, placque and a certificate each.
The awardees are Dharamvir, Malleshi HV, Mrinal Kanti Gayen, Nazima Rangwala Kalita, Pradip Mondal, Prem Kumar Singh, R B Holley, Rajpritam More, Sidharth Madhu Pansari and Yuvraj Panwar.
Chief Minister in his speech said it is a rare function not only in Tripura but in the entire north eastern region and it would encourage the local artists also to do inspiring works. PTI JOY
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