Rashtrapati Bhavan has welcomed two artists and two writers under its 'In-Residence Programme', including journalist-turned-writer Yishey Doma Bhutia from Sikkim and advertising professional-turned-artist Rahool Saksena from Chennai.
Besides them, Vempalli Gangadhar from Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh and Pratap Sudhir Morey from Mumbai commenced their programme at Raisina Hill from yesterday and they will be guests at the Rashtrapati Bhavan till September 26 this year.
The 'In-Residence Programme' for writers and artists was launched by the President on December 11, 2013 with a view to encourage senior as well as young artists by facilitating their stay close to nature in the picturesque and serene surroundings of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The programme seeks to provide an environment which will inspire creative thinking and rejuvenate artistic impulses.
Rajya Sabha member Jogen Chowdhary was the first 'Artist In-Residence'.
Bhutia is a journalist and winner of the Sikkim Sahitya Samman 2013. Starting her career as Copy Editor of 'Sikkim Express' daily, she has written several books including 'Legends of the Lepchas', 'Folktales from Sikkim' and 'Sikkim: the Hidden Fruitful Valley'.
Forty-eight-year-old Saksena, who quit his lucrative advertising job for his passion for art, describes himself as an 'artist of change' who transforms everyday material into unexpected art forms.
He believes that this quest for transformation forms the core - a rock solid foundation for multiple possibilities. Saksena became a full time artist after relinquishing his 15-year corporate career with various multi-national firms.
