Kolkata, June 18: A significant meeting took place between West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh. The gathering aimed to reinforce cultural ties between the two states. During the meeting, CM Suvendu Adhikari presented two unique gifts to Minister Nara Lokesh, showcasing Bengal’s traditional art and culture. The gifts included a Shadbhuj Murti Pat Chitra scroll and a handcrafted Shola Pith boat.
In his address, CM Suvendu Adhikari emphasized the importance of recognizing Bengal’s rich cultural heritage and folk art on a national level. He highlighted the historical, spiritual, and cultural connections between West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh through these gifts.
The special Shadbhuj Murti Pat Chitra presented by the Chief Minister depicts the divine form of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu with six arms. This artwork includes representations of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The upper arms symbolize Lord Ram’s bow and arrow, the middle arms represent Lord Krishna’s flute, while the lower arms showcase the sanyas danda and kamandal, reflecting the messages of love and devotion from Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
This artwork was created by renowned folk artist Swarna Lata Chitrakar from Naya village in Pingla, West Medinipur district. Coming from a traditional Patua family, Swarna Lata has been instrumental in preserving the centuries-old Pat Chitra art using natural colors. She has showcased her work in various countries, including the USA, UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Sweden, significantly contributing to the empowerment of rural women artists.
Additionally, CM Suvendu Adhikari gifted a special boat made from Shola Pith to Nara Lokesh. Shola Pith is a traditional and eco-friendly craft of West Bengal, made from a specific plant found in water bodies. This entirely handmade art form does not involve any machinery. The Shola Pith craft has also received a GI tag, ensuring its uniqueness and authenticity.
The Shola Pith boat symbolizes the nearly 2,000-year-old maritime and trade relations between Tamluk in West Bengal and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
During the event, discussions were held to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between the two states. Speakers noted that the historical, spiritual, and cultural ties between West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh are centuries old, and such initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening these relationships.
The program was deemed a significant step towards gaining national recognition for Bengal’s folk art, traditional crafts, and cultural heritage.
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