Imphal, February 06 2010: Governor Art Award 2009 has been conferred to veteran painter Laishram Madhuchandra in a function held today at the art gallery of the Manipur State Art Gallery, Palace Compound by the Governor Gurbachan Jagat.

The award consisted of Rs 10,000 and a citation.

On the occasion Governor also released a souvenir apart of opening an art exhibition of paintings and sculptures which would go on till February 8 next.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Gurbachan Jagat expressed art is a search for a deeper and more complete understanding of man and his environment.

"It enhances our sensitivity, purifies our instincts and lifts us above discordant realities of everyday life and gives us mental and spiritual refreshment" .

He also said that all the civilization of the world throughout the history have developed art.

India has also had a long tradition of fine arts and paintings.

The painting and sculptures used as accessories of worship and great displays of artwork in the famous caves of ancient India indicate that the country has a long history of artistic traditions.

As in other parts of the country, in the state too the purpose of all art was mainly sacramental in the past.

By seeing artworks in temples and other places of worship, men became conscious of the power of the works of art to quicken their spirits, give dignity and order to their lives.

With the developing trends of art internationally, arts activities in Manipur also have been experiencing the two aspects of art-present experiences and tradition of the past.

He also expressed happiness to learn that the Arts Society, Manipur, established in 1972 by a group of dedicated artists and art lovers, attaining a national level status by organising all India Art Exhibition, Regional Art Mela, Seminars, conferences and exhibitions besides playing a major role in the field of visual art movement in the North East Region.

The Governor also encouraged the activities of the Art Society and said publication of monographs on the lives and works of the six renowned artists of Manipur namely N Bhatra, RK Yumjaosana, M Kalachnad, H Shyao, H Aton and MK Priyobarta who dedicated their lives to the field of art, organisation of Multi-Media Art Exhibitions and holding of Art Camps/Workshops in the hill districts, to mention few, are praiseworthy and worth encouraging.

"It has been not only functioning in the interests of the artists in general but also taking major role in gearing up only functioning in the interests of the interests of artists in general but also taking major role gearing up the art movement in the state," he said noting the problems facing by the society.

"I have noted that the society has been facing a problem of the lack of land for its office complex, in this regard, I will see what can be done from my side and the State Government in the near future," he assured.

In award distribution function presided over by the president of the Art Society, Manipur, commissioner (art and culture), P Bharat attended as guest of honour.

Bharat observed that most of the paintings and sculptures of the artists of the state are high quality ones.

Despite its small in size, Manipur has a room in art.

The department is well understood of grievances facing by the arts of the state.

Even though the department thinks of taking up various welfare programmes, all gone in vain due to shortage of fund.

In his key note address, prof Th Tombi recalled that the Governor Art Award was instituted in 2003 with a contribution of Rs 50,000 by the then Governor of Manipur, Ved Maruawh.

The award is given to the artists working in the paintings, sculptures, graphics and drawing triennially as part of encouraging and recognizing their works.

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