A festival of Begum Akhtar centenary commemoration started at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya with inauguration on the life, works and legacy of Begum Akhtar at Rock Art Heritage Centre, IGRMS.
The exhibition has been inaugurated by Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Anthony JC DeSa by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Congratulating Director, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts (IGNCA) and Naad Sagar, New Delhi for this admirable initiative DeSa said, “This exhibition is an excellent opportunity for visitors from Bhopal and all over the world to know more about Mallika-e-Ghazal Begum Akhtar and the struggles of the artists, which are not known to common public. This exhibition is brilliant composition of photographs and information.”
later, DeSa also visited the prehistoric rock art shelters and view point of IGRMS and on seeing the scenic beauty, he said, “Bhopal is amazingly beautiful”. During this time he was guided by Sangrahalaya’s P Shankar Rao.
CEO of NaadSaagar Rchives and Research Society for South Asian Music (New Delhi), Navin CR Khilani explained the exhibition in detail and informed that this exhibition will continue till August 31, 2015. Director, IGRMS, Prof Sarit Kumar Choudhuri said, “Begum Akhtar passed away in Ahmedabad during her final performance. This exhibition of rare photographs displays life, works and legacy of Begum Akhtar.” On this occasion lots of music lovers were present. Arun Kiro (Assistant Curator) gave the vote of thanks.