‘Vasanta Mahotsav 2012’ gets underway in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 29 Jan: Secretary, Human Resource Development Department, CS Rao, inaugurated the three-month long Vasanta Mahotsav 2012 today. Exhibitions and seminar/ workshops on various forms of art are lined up for this programme beginning today and will conclude on 29 April.
Appreciating the initiative taken by the members of Sri Sathya Sai Organization, Gangtok and North District and all the organizers of the respective fields of art, the chief guest CS Rao said that this kind of constructive programme encourage the younger generation to come forward and exhibit their talents.
Also speaking on the paintings exhibited today, he said that these are an excellent display of creativity. Through such kinds of programmes, the painters and artists of the state should come forward and should slowly make a place for Sikkim and its art in the national and international arena.
Further, he said that this programme may not show immediate effects in the society, but will make a mark in the state slowly and steadily. Regarding the upcoming art & craft exhibition for college and school students, during this Mahotsav, the Secretary mentioned that as soon as the schools reopen the HRD Department will send notifications to all the schools of the state to participate in this exhibition.
Speaking about art culture in Sikkim, the President Oviya Arts Circle, Deepa Rai said that there are numerous hidden talents in the state who need exposure. Hence, through this programme, she welcomed all the upcoming artists to participate/ contribute, especially the female artists of the state. Further, she appealed to the general public and all art lovers to come and visit the exhibition, which in a way will motivate the artists.
The Vasanta Mahotsav started off with an exhibition and workshop on drawing and painting. A total of 65 paintings were displayed today by 17 artists coming from all the four districts of the state. Artists from Darjeeling and Kalimpong will also be exhibiting their art works in the coming weeks. T
he art exhibition cum workshop will continue till 11 February, followed by exhibition and seminar on wildlife photography [12-25 February], photo shoot session [26-29 February], graphic design and creative/applied arts [01-10 March], literary sessions and exhibition of art and craft for college students [11-17 March], art and craft events for school students [18-31 March], National and International level exhibition of photographs and workshop [01-21 April] and exhibition of photographs depicting the great moments of Sai Baba’s life [22-24 April]. Literary sessions are to be held every Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM.