Ranchi: Artists from 24 districts and nine languages gathered at the SDC auditorium in Ranchi for a grand event organised by the Jharkhand Artists Society, where ministers and other political leaders outlined initiatives to support the state’s creative community. The program began with a tribute to artists who have made significant contributions to Jharkhand’s cultural landscape.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey highlighted the legacy of her father and former state minister Bandhu Tirkey, who worked to advance opportunities for artists beyond politics. She urged artists to recognize their potential and adapt to the globalised era, emphasising the importance of marketing their work effectively. She noted that the current coalition government has approved Jharkhand Lalit Kala Academy, Jharkhand State Music and Drama Academy, and Jharkhand State Literary Academy, reflecting a commitment to securing a brighter future for artists. Minister Tirkey added that soon a representative delegation from the Jharkhand Artists Society would meet the concerned department minister to offer suggestions for further improvements.
Former minister Bandhu Tirkey stressed the need for clear policies to support artists. He announced that a book documenting the biographies of successful Jharkhand artists will be prepared and submitted to the state government to raise public awareness. Tirkey also highlighted the need for insurance coverage and job reservation for artists, pointing out that similar facilities exist in other states. He further announced that in December, a grand congregation of artists from across Jharkhand will be held at Morhabadi ground in Ranchi, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren invited to participate.
Other speakers at the event included Congress state president Keshav Mahato Kamlesh, who recalled Padma Shri Ramdayal Munda’s words “Je nachi se banchi,” and Padma Shri Madhu Mansuri, who expressed artists’ struggles through song. The gathering was also addressed by Gau Seva Commission chairperson Rajeev Ranjan, minority commission member M. Tausif, Congress spokesperson Kishore Nath Sahdev, and artists including Niranjan Paswan, Raman Gupta, Manoj Shahri, Manoj Chanchal, Monika Mundu, and Monu Raj.