MP Jangarh Puraskar instituted

Bhopal, Jan 04: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's announcement made at Jan Samvad to encourage tribal artistes has been implemented in the form of institution of Madhya Pradesh Jangarh Puraskar. The first Madhya Pradesh Jangarh Puraskar-2007 award would be bestowed on famous Gondi painter of the state Dilip Shyam. Tribal Welfare and Forest Minister Vijay Shah informed that this award would be given to Shyam during International Tribal Film Festival to be held at Indore from February l, 2008. On this occasion his masterpieces would also be displayed at an exhibition.

The decision to bestow this award on Shyam was taken at the committee constituted on Wednesday. Those present on the occasion included art expert and journalist Abhilash Khandekar, famous artist of the state Harchandan Singh Bhatti, art critic and dance exponent Shri Ashok Tiwari. Seventeen artists and 13 sculptors have sent their entries for this award. Out of these, tribal artist Syam's masterpiece titled as 'Jangarh Ankh' was selected for the award. Tribal Welfare Minister and Chairman of Vanya Kunwar Vijay Shah said that this award would be bestowed on tribal artist Dilip Shyam at the International Tribal Film Festival to be held at Indore from February 1, 2008. He would be honoured with Rs 25,000 in cash and letter of commendation.

He said that the state government is undertaking efforts to encourage tribal talents and providing them opportunities to move ahead in their respective fields.  Dilip Shyam, who has been shortlisted for this award, is the leading tribal artist of Madhya Pradesh. Shyam has introduced tribal folk art of Madhya Pradesh to entire country by organising exhibitions.