RSS opposes government move to evict veteran artistes

New Delhi: The cultural wing of the RSS, Sanskar Bharati, has opposed the Centre's move to evict artistes in the middle of a pandemic, and has requested the government to reconsider its decision .
More than 20 artistes, including Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj, dhrupad vocalist Ut Wasifuddin Dagar, iconic Mohiniyattam dancer Bharati Shivaji, Kathak guru Geetanjali Lal, Kuchipudi dancer Guru Jayarama Rao and painter and sculptor Jatin Das, have been asked to vacate their government accommodations in various parts of Delhi.

While the government has called it an "action pending from 2014," Sanskar bharati has said that most of the artistes were senior citizens who "should be treated with care and dignity," and that many of the artists were themselves facing financial problems due to the lockdown.

Senior office bearers of the Sanskar Bharati led by the head of the body, Ameer Chand met the artistes last week. The body then issued a statement asking for the government to not "punish genuine artists for the wrongs committed by a few." "During this pandemic the government has done everything possible to make the lives of people better. Knowing the contribution and age of the artistes, we must have a humane approach towards this issue. There should be thought on a new housing scheme for young artistes that will attract talent to classical heritage. Our new education policy also encourages teaching and learning of arts."

The body also said there was a need to push implementation of the moves announced by the government in May with regard to providing support to artistes.