Ms. Yishey Doma Bhutia from Gangtok, Sikkim; Dr. Vempalli Gangadhar from Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh; Shri Rahool Saksena from Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Shri Pratap Sudhir Morey from Mumbai, Maharashtra commenced their ‘In-Residence Programme’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday (September 8 2014). They will stay in Rashtrapati Bhavan till September 26, 2014.

Dr. Vempalli Gangadhar is a writer in Telugu and was awarded Yuva Puraskar of Sahitya Academi in 2011 for his work ‘Molakala Punnami’. He has written many books and articles on issues of farmers, women and the drought prone area of Rayalaseema.

Ms. Yishey Doma Bhutia is a journalist and winner of the Sikkim Sahitya Samman 2013. Copy Editor of Sikkim Express, she has written several books including Legends of the Lepchas: Folktales from Sikkim; Sikkim: the Hidden Fruitful Valley; Sikkim A Traveller’s Companion; the Legacy Maker: Pawan Chamling’s Ideas that Shaped Sikkim etc.

Shri Rahool Saksena 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. Shri Saksena became a full time artist after relinquishing a 15 year career in the corporate world with various MNCs.

Shri Pratap Sudhir Morey is an artist who has received many awards. His artworks have also been exhibited at various places in India and abroad. The central idea of Shri Morey’s work revolves around the body, urban space and the connection between both. Through his work, he addresses issues of redevelopment, displacement and radical growth of urban space.

During their stay at Rashtrapati Bhavan, artists and writers will interact with office bearers of Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, National Gallery of Modern Arts, prominent artists and writers etc. and also visit historical places of Delhi, museums, art galleries etc.

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.

Shri Jogen Chowdhary, MP (Rajya Sabha) and Prof. Emeritus of Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan was the first Artist In-Residence. The current group of four is the second batch under this programme.

This release issued at 1400 hrs.