Writers and Artists ‘in-residence’ Call on the President

<p>Writers and Artists In-Residence Ms. Yishey Doma Bhutia, Dr. Vempalli Gangadhar, Shri Rahool Saksena and Shri Pratap Sudhir Morey called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (September 22, 2014). These writers and artists have been staying in the Rashtrapati Bhavan from September 8, 2014 as part of a three week ‘In-Residence Programme’.</p><p>Speaking on the occasion, the President hoped that the opportunity to stay in the Rashtrapati Bhavan would ignite their creativity and sharpen their skills. He said that in 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. He stated that 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 life in Rashtrapati Bhavan and stay 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 success in the years to come.</p><p>The ‘In-Residence’ Programme for writers, artists was launched by the President of India on December 11, 2013 with a view to encourage senior artists as well as young and upcoming individuals by facilitating them stay close to nature in the picturesque and serene surroundings of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Programme seeks to provide an environment which will inspire creative thinking and rejuvenate artistic impulses.</p><p class="last-word">This release issued at 1515 hrs.</p>