Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 221/21

MEGHALAYA GOVERNOR ATTENDS CRYSTAL GAYLE AWARD FUNCTION

The RITI Academy of Visual Arts organized the Crystal Gayle Award for Excellence on visual Arts at a function held at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Shillong. Meghalaya Governor Shri Satya Pal Malik graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The Governor handed the Crystal Gayle Award-2021 to Shri. Wanhi-I Challam an animation artist from Chilliang Raij, Jowai.

It may be mentioned that the Crystal Gayle Award honors and acknowledges the recipient’s excellence in the field of visual arts and practices. The award was conferred in memory of (L) Crystal Gayle Kharnaior, a theater artist who passed away in 2017.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Satya Pal Malik congratulated the Riti Academy of Visual Arts for its contribution in the field of visual arts in Meghalaya, he also apprised that the Riti Academy had left no stones unturned in its pursuit for artistic excellence in various fields like paintings, films, theater, photography and also literature. It is heartening to note that Riti Academy of Visual Arts was formed with the objective to nurture, sustain and propagate the genuine understanding of aesthetics with emphasis on indigenous conceptualization and attitude towards the arts and literature, he added.

The Governor also stated that since its inception in 1991 Riti Academy has traversed a long way in providing congenial space for the art fraternity to meaningfully work and realize its potential and vision. There is a need to be proactive in catering the youth with formal art education, exposure at suitable platforms and avail every opportunity from the State Government.

Others who were present include Shri F R Kharkongor, Commissioner & Secretary, Arts and Culture Department, Shri Pravin Bakshi, Secretary to the Governor of Meghalaya and Rapahel Warjri, Chief Art Director, RITI Academy of Visual Arts among others.