Encouragement for arts
BENGALURU
Art is a mirror of a State’s culture and heritage, and Chitrasanthe has emerged as a vital platform bringing artists and art lovers together, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Sunday. He was speaking after inaugurating the 23rd edition of Chitrasanthe, organised by the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad at its premises on Kumar Krupa Road.
The Chief Minister said this was the eighth time he was participating in Chitrasanthe as Chief Minister and lauded the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad for its six decades of sustained efforts to encourage artists by providing a space to exhibit and sell their works. Chitrasanthe, he noted, has now entered its 23rd year and continues to grow in scale and significance. This year’s event has attracted participation from artists representing 22 States and four Union Territories, reflecting its national stature.
Siddaramaiah said there has been a long-standing demand to establish museums for aspiring artists in every district, and assured that the government would consider the proposal positively. He added that such initiatives would help nurture young talent and preserve regional art forms.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s Chitrasanthe, which is dedicated to the environment, the Chief Minister stressed that environmental awareness is essential for sustainable living. “If we protect the environment, it will protect us,” he said, pointing out that environmental pollution has increased in several Indian cities, including Bengaluru, while Delhi is facing severe and unliveable conditions.
He said the State government has launched programmes to plant three to five crore saplings every year to improve green cover. While any region should ideally have at least 30 per cent forest cover, Karnataka currently has around 20 per cent, and sincere efforts would be made to bridge the gap.
Referring to environmentalist Salumarada Thimmakka, Siddaramaiah said she earned respect and recognition by nurturing trees like her own children. He urged citizens to emulate her example and take up tree planting, noting that it does not require large investments but only determination.
He concluded by saying that many people are already fighting for environmental protection and assured that the government would intensify its efforts to support such initiatives.
