February 15, 2014
WB Govt to help artists in distress
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government is ready to help artists who are in distress while inaugurating the Charukala Utsav 2014. She said artists are talented people and they dedicate their lives to their art. The government has a duty to protect them in times of distress.
“You have talent and you have spent all your life in the world of creativity. The government is eager to help you if you are in distress,” she maintained. She said Bengal has a rich heritage in art and culture.
The chief minister felicitated 10 eminent personalities in fine arts for their outstanding performance.
Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Dhirendra Nath Brahma, while Shilpi Mahasamman award was given to four eminent artists Robin Mondal, Kartik Pyne, Prakash Karmakar and Uma Siddhanta.
Shilpi Samman was given to Sunil De, Wasim Kapoor, Ashok Bhowmik and Arun Kumar Chakraborty.
The Art Critics` award went to Soumendra Nath Banerjee.
Pashimbanga Charukala Parshad president Jogen Chowdhury said the festival would continue till 23 February.
