Rajasthan Forum Voices Discontent Over Local Artists' Exclusion at 'Rising Summit'
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Jaipur, Dec 14 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Forum has voiced strong discontent regarding the omission of artists from Rajasthan at the recently held three-day Rising Rajasthan Summit.
In a letter directed to the Chief Minister, Forum President and Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, a Grammy Award winner, described this situation as ‘regrettable’.
The Rajasthan Forum, which is made up of 34 prominent artists, including 12 Padma awardees, has been dedicated to the promotion of the state’s art and culture for more than a decade.
Expressing their concerns, the Forum questioned the absence of representation for Rajasthan's artists at such a pivotal event. They pointed out that essential cultural forms such as Dhrupad music, Kathak dance, and traditional folk art were noticeably lacking, in addition to the absence of performances featuring the Mohan Veena, an instrument created by Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.
In his correspondence, Pandit Bhatt expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation with the Rajasthan Forum, a key cultural body in the state, during the event's cultural program planning. He underscored the Forum's impressive roster of distinguished artists, which includes Padma laureates like Devendra Jhajharia, Anwar Khan Manganihar, Gulabo Sapera, Ram Kishore Chhipa, S. Shakir Ali, Tilak Gitai, Munna Master, and C.P. Dewal. Notable cultural figures such as Ila Arun, Prerna Shrimali, Apurvi Chandela, Nand Bhardwaj, and Apra Kuchhal are also affiliated with the organisation.
The Forum has called upon the state government to include the Rajasthan Forum in forthcoming cultural initiatives to guarantee that the state’s vibrant art and heritage receive the recognition they merit. They stressed that such partnerships would enhance the significance and attraction of these events.
In their appeal, the Rajasthan Forum also emphasized the necessity of honoring the state’s folk art and artists by providing them with opportunities to represent Rajasthan on both national and international stages.
Prominent culturist and founder of the Rajasthan Forum, Sundeep Bhutoria, had also brought this issue to light recently during the Rising Rajasthan event.
