Chitra Santhe reflects Karnataka’s cultural ethos: CM Siddaramaiah

Art is like a mirror reflecting the culture of the State, and Chitra Santhe has emerged as an important platform for artists and art enthusiasts alike, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Sunday.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 23rd edition of Chitra Santhe, organised by the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, on its premises on Kumara Krupa Road in Bengaluru. The annual open-air art fair, one of the largest of its kind in the country, drew thousands of visitors through the day.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said this was the eighth time he was participating in the Chitra Santhe as Chief Minister. He said that the parishath has been working consistently for the past 60 years to encourage artists and create avenues for the exhibition and sale of their works.

The santhe, he added, has now entered its 23rd year, with artists participating from around 22 States and four Union Territories, underlining its growing national footprint.

Highlighting the government’s cultural vision, the Chief Minister said, “There was a demand in every district for museums dedicated to achievers from various fields, and I assure that the government would consider such proposals positively.” He also drew attention to this year’s theme, which is dedicated to the environment, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that the government has launched an ambitious programme to plant three to five crore saplings every year. Ideally, at least 30% of any region should be under forest cover, while Karnataka currently has about 20% forest area, he said. “We will make sincere efforts to increase this,” the Chief Minister siad.

Referring to environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka, he urged citizens to emulate her. “If we truly wish peace for her soul, all of us must try to grow trees,” he said.

Meanwhile, the santhe showcased a wide range of paintings, caricatures, pottery, sketches, postcards, jewellery, numismatics, and other creative works. Artists from across the country interacted with visitors, many of whom were keen to understand the stories and techniques behind the artworks.

Ajith, a painter from Pune, who was selected for the first time to set up a stall at Chitra Santhe, said the event offered a unique atmosphere. “I have attended art exhibitions in Mumbai and Pune earlier, but I like the ambience here,” he said.

Vinayak Kalamkari, an artist from Hubballi and a regular participant for the past three years, said that the santhe had helped him grow professionally. “I have seen good sales. Coming here gives me an idea of the competition I may face in the future,” he said.

Manoj, an alumnus of an art college, said artists considered participation in the santhe a matter of prestige. “Many of us have got the chance to improve our skills and gain visibility through this platform,” he said.