Writers and innovative scholars important to us: President

New Delhi, March 15 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee has said that writers and Innovation Scholars are special because they have innovative, sensitive and imaginative minds which transcend the boundaries of time, place and surroundings. He said that the impact of their creations is everlasting.

Ten Innovation Scholars, two Writers and two Artists who are part of In-Residence Programme of Rashtrapati Bhavan called on Mukherjee on Wednesday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, Mukherjee expressed his happiness that during his Presidency, the In-Residence Programme could provide an opportunity to ignite the creativity of its participants. He said that the imaginative and sensitive participants of the In-Residence Programme were making their individual contribution in keeping the soul of India intact.

He hoped that when the participants go back to their native places, they develop a new dimension in the way they look at their own country India and the manner in which they can make their contribution towards its well-being and prosperity.

The innovative scholars include Surjeet Singh, well known for producing high quality aromatic basmati rice; Moa Subong, who innovated a musical instrument called BamHum and Ajay Sharma, who has developed a portable, energy efficient and cost effective biogas compressor machine, among others.

The President's Secretary, Omita Paul said that on assuming office, Mukherjee had a vision that innovation should become a movement in the country. She said that it was heartening to see that his vision was being realized. She hoped that innovation will continue to gather momentum in the future too.

Writers and artists who are part of In-Residence Programme of Rashtrapati Bhavan include Ashokkumar P. Chavda, a Gujrati Poet, Critic, Translator and Editor; Prabal Kumar Basu, a poet, writing in Bengali and with 17 volumes of poetry books, a collection of verse drama, two collections of essays and two collections of short stories to his credit and Rahul Shailendra Kokaste, an artist encompassing sheer diversity of mediums, genres, materials and narratives, among others.

The participants of the In-Residence Programme also expressed their views and said that they were deeply thankful to the President for giving them an opportunity to be part of the two week In-Residence Programme.

They appreciated the numerous initiatives taken in this Presidency such as Smart Gram Initiative, Samagam and Sparsh, among others. They said that they were infused with fresh energy and enthusiasm and were determined to contribute to the welfare of the society in their own way.

The Innovation Scholars said that their innovative spirit and potential had been boosted since during the Festival of Innovations, direct linkages had been established with relevant stakeholders and new avenues had opened for them. They also said that the Programme had fostered fellowship as they got an opportunity to interact with fellow participants in the progamme coming from diverse backgrounds all from across the country.