Writers and artists participating in the in-residence programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan today called on President Pranab Mukherjee.
The latest batch of participants comprises Yishey Doma Bhutia, Dr Vempalli Gangadhar, Rahool Saksena and Pratap Sudhir Morey. They have been residing in the Presidential Estate since Sept. 8 as part of a three week 'in-residence programme'.
The President, during his interaction with the artists, hoped that the opportunity to stay at Rashtrapati Bhavan would ignite their creativity and sharpen their skills.
According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson, "He (Mukherjee) said that in the future, they will make many more contributions in their fields and if their stay in Rashtrapati Bhavan is able to make any difference in that regard, he would consider the objective of the programme as fulfilled."
Mukherjee said these writers and artists were now part of the extended family of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
"The President said that the objective of the in-residence programme was to enable the writers and artists to be a part of the life at Rashtrapati Bhavan in an atmosphere where they are in perfect harmony with nature. It was part of his objective to open up Rashtrapati Bhavan to the people and demystify it. He wished the participants of the programme all the success in the years to come," the spokesperson added.
The programme for writers and artists was launched by the Mukherjee in December last year with a view to encouraging senior artists as well as young and upcoming individuals by providing them with an opportunity to stay close to nature in the picturesque and serene surroundings of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
