Artists thank CM for financial assistance

Patna: Artists from Khagaul have expressed gratitude to CM Nitish Kumar and art and culture minister Arun Shankar Prasad for extending financial assistance under the ‘Mukhyamantri Kalakar Pension Yojana’ scheme which was announced during the state assembly elections last year.The beneficiaries who include Shoaib Quraishi, Parvez Alam, Prem Prakash, Sajjad Alam and Ramnath Prasad, have been granted a monthly pension of Rs3,000 each from Feb month under the scheme aimed at supporting struggling artists.According to Shoaib Quraishi, for these artists, currently in the middle phase of their lives and facing financial hardship due to lack of a steady source of income the pension would provide much-needed relief for their sustenance. They noted that the financial aid would not only help them meet basic needs but also enable them to continue their artistic pursuits, he said.Expressing their appreciation, the beneficiaries said the initiative reflects the state govt’s commitment to preserving and promoting art and culture. “This support will help us survive and continue contributing to society through our art,” one of the artists said.Khagaul, known for its rich cultural heritage, has produced several noted artists since the pre-independence period. The artists added that such initiatives would encourage local talent and help sustain the region’s long-standing artistic traditions. They urged the govt to continue and expand such welfare measures so that more artists in need can benefit and contribute to the cultural fabric of the state, Quraishi added.