Port Blair, Mar 31: A thematic exhibition titled “DWEEP RANGACHITRA” was organized to promote Art & Culture of this Andaman & Nicobar Islands by CISF Unit Port of Port Blair in collaboration with Anthropological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Center, Port Blair on March 30, 2021 at Zonal Anthropological Museum, Port Blair. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Tanumoy Karmakar, Principle Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, Port Blair at 5.30 PM. The exhibition showcased the Paintings made by the children ofPranab Kanya Sangh, an orphanage in Port Blair along with the paintings made by Jarawa children which were collected in 2017 at Potatang as a part of painting competition organised by Anthropological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Center, Port Blair on the occasion of International Day of World’s Indigenous People.
In the Inaugural function, Dr Nilanjan Khatua, Head of Office, Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) delivered the welcome speech, He said that present exhibition “Dweep Rangchitra” is very much relevant in order to understand the differences and similarities between the Fine Art and Tribal Art painted by two different group of artists, belonging to modern society and preliterate underprivileged society. While introducing the theme of the exhibition, he cited that it is quite obvious that art in tribal society mainly bears the utilitarian value as it is difficult to separate it from their day to day activities. Tribal Art in true sense is not made for the sake of fun and amusement as the art in modern societies. It is rather based on cultural necessity.
Shri Jitendra Jatoliya, Deputy Commandant, CISF who took the initiative to conduct the exhibition on behalf of his organization talked about the in his speech said that these kids are very talented and they deserve the opportunities to showcase their talent and CISF would always be dedicated for such cause. Mrs. Kalpana Verma who facilitated the kids with all the materials for painting also actively participated in the whole programme. Miss Rakhi Kumari, Research Associate, AnSI delivered Vote of Thanks. She remarked that, most of us take art as luxury but recent pandemics exposed to us that art is more of a necessity for our happy survival. Sanyasini Chaitanya Nandamayee, head of the Pranab Kanya Sangh, Port Blair, Assistant Director, India Tourism and many other dignitaries, art lovers and media person along with all the staff members of AnSI ANRC were present on the occasion. The exhibition will be open for public for next 15 days at Zonal Anthropological Museum, Port Blair.