SHILLONG: Governor Tathagata Roy and First Lady Anuradha Roy unveiled cultural portraits depicting the dances of three major tribes of Meghalaya and the portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan on the occasion of 74th Independence Day on Saturday.
The portraits were painted by renowned artist of the state, Raphael Warjri, a statement said.
Speaking on the occasion, Roy said the paintings depicting celebrations native to the state will go a long way in drawing focus to the indigenous tribes and culture. In addition to the existing portraits of freedom fighters of the state, the cultural portraits are a welcome addition to the wealth of Raj Bhavan, he stated.
While praising the contribution of Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel towards the shaping India, the governor said it was an honour to have his portrait adorn the walls of the Durbar Hall.
Award
In a separate function on the same day, the governor also gave away the Crystal Gayle Kharnaior Memorial Award 2020 to Pascal Mario Kmenlang Pathaw for excellence in visual arts. The felicitation programme was organised by the Riti Academy.
It may be mentioned that the Crystal Gayle Kharnaior Memorial Award was instituted by Riti Academy in memory of Crystal Gayle Kharnaior to recognise excellence in various works of creative expression. Crystal Gayle Kharnaior was one of the three victims who lost her life in August 2017 when a massive tree crushed the vehicle she was travelling in near Raj Bhavan.