Divyang Painter Basant Sahuhonoured with Bahumat Samman

Central Chronicle News
Bhilai, Feb 28: State’s distinguished and talented painter Basant Sahu was honoured with the 19th Bahumat Samman during a simple function held the other day. This honour is given by the Arts, Literature and Culture magazine “Bahumat” in the memory of Late Dau Ramachandra Deshmukh. For the first time, this award has been given to a folk painter.
Bahumat Editor Vinod Mishra, Organizing Committee Chairman Arun Srivastava and member of the selection committee Ravi Kumar honoured Basant Sahu with shawl, shrifal, citation and token amount. Sajid Bhai, Vice President of Chhattisgarh Divyang Cricket Association, presented the drawing and painting items which are used by Basant Sahu. It needs to be mentioned here Basant Sahu was left handicapped in an accident which occurred about 25 years ago. However, with dedicated efforts and commitment, he achieved name and fame national level with his art form. Basant has to sit on wheel chair or lay on the bed while painting.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Culture Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, Agriculture Minister Ravindra Chaubey, CM’s Media Advisor Ruchir Garg, Parliamentary Secretary Kunwar Nishad, MLA Devendra Yadav, Padmashri and folk singer Mamta Chandrakar and bahumat recipient folk singer Madan Chauhan have conveyed their best wishes to Basant Sahu, who has given national identity to the life of Chhattisgarh through his paintings.
On receiving the honor, Basant Sahu said that “Bahumat Samman” is the felicitation of his paintbrush which encouraged him to live even under adverse circumstances. Born in a middle class farmer family, Basant stated that the rural and folk life is the basis of his art.
Organizing Committee Chairman Arun Shrivastava said that along with Basant Sahu’s art talent, his life struggle is also inspirational for all of us. Bahumat Editor Vinod Mishra said that he never came across such a brilliant example of the struggle that Basant Sahu has presented before the society. Bahumat Samman is being awarded to Basant Sahu for his indomitable dedication and interest towards folk painting.
The award was given under the aegis of “Bahumat” magazine in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Government of Chhattisgarh, Shri Chaturbhuj Memorial Foundation and Chhattisgarh Divyang Cricket Association.