Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Crafts expo opens

CHENNAI: Rural Industries Minister Pongalur N. Palanisamy inaugurated an exhibition of crafts and bronze sculpture in memory of C.N. Annadurai, coinciding with his centenary celebrations, here on Saturday.

The Minister commended the Victoria Technical Institute (VTI) for organising such exhibitions in memory of leaders of Tamil Nadu, and for preserving the dying art forms and protecting the lives of artisans by instituting scholarships and awards.

Mr. Palanisamy said both the Poompuhar Handicrafts Corporation and the VTI were engaged in the commendable job of preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.

He said the government would help the VTI in its plan for constructing a 10-storey building to house different types of crafts and a hall for conducting larger exhibitions.

The Minister gave away two cash awards for the best entry in art and craft, with a prize money of Rs.20,000 each, and 10 cash awards of Rs.5,000 each for outstanding entries in different arts and crafts.

Former judge of the Madras High Court and VTI honorary president A.K. Rajan said the proposal for constructing the 10-storey building was at the advanced stage, and the foundation would be laid soon.

Viswanath Shegonkar, D. Bhuloka Reddy, and N. Chandrasekaran, all VTI council members, outlined the importance of the Anna memorial exhibition.

They also spoke about the council’s decision to hold similar exhibitions in honour of Kamaraj and Periyar.

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