'Sidelined' for Surajkund fair, Haryana folk artistes cry foul

Folk artistes of Haryana have alleged that they have been ignored by the state authorities organising the Surajkund International Crafts Fair this year.

"The Haryana Government paid exorbitant amounts to artistes from other states for performing at the Surajkund fair, but it did not engage the state's own folk artistes, many of whom are in dire straits and largely dependent on such events for their livelihood," said Pradeep Bahmani, the president of the Haryana Lok kalakar Sangathan.

Other states' performers preferred

The Haryana Government paid exorbitant amounts to artistes from other states for performing at the Surajkund fair, but it did not engage the state's own folk artistes, many of whom are in dire straits and largely dependent on such events for their livelihood

Pradeep Bahmani, president, Haryana Lok kalakar Sangathan

In a novel way of protest, the folk artistes will observe a 'Black Valentine's Day' on February 14 to attract the attention of the state authorities towards their plight.

In a media interaction at Rohtak on Saturday, Bahmani pointed out that the folk artistes from Haryana had been engaged for the Surajkund fair last year, but most of them have been ignored for this year's fair.

Sarangi player Dhuni Nath said the folk artistes of the state had pinned hopes on the Surajkund fair and Gita Jayanti Samaroh organised by the state government, but they had not been engaged for the Surajkund fair this year.

Sangathan secretary Naresh Kundu pointed out that apart from keeping the local folk artistes away from the fair, the state authorities had also reduced their remuneration this year.

"Last year, the folk dancers were paid a remuneration of Rs 70,000-80,000 per troupe comprising 10 to 12 artistes. This time, the remuneration has been reduced to Rs 40,000-50,000 per troupe," he rued, adding that it was for the first time that the remuneration of folk artistes had been reduced instead of being increased.

Folk artiste Dharmender Saangi said the government departments now preferred to get recorded presentations instead of live performances, which directly hit the livelihood of the artistes.

"The top leaders of the state often tell us to keep our art forms alive. But we want to ask them how we can keep the folk arts alive without the support of the government," said Dhuni Nath.

The sangathan has urged the Haryana government to reconsider its decision and engage the folk artistes of the state in the Surajkund fair.

"A state-level committee comprising representatives of the folk artistes should be constituted to formulate effective policies and programmes to ensure the promotion of folk-arts and welfare of artistes," it maintained.