IT IS JUST BEGINNING, NOT THE DESTINATION: SANJEEV SINHA

IT IS JUST BEGINNING, NOT THE DESTINATION: SANJEEV SINHA

15-JUNE-ENG 21

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------Artist Sanjeev Sinha states that while receiving the GI tag is indeed a major achievement, the real challenge lies ahead. The need of the hour is to take *Peediya* painting to domestic and global markets, train artists, and connect the younger generation with this art form.

Key figures in this process included Gautam Kumar Singh (Chief General Manager, NABARD) and Ranjit Sinha (former manager, Bhojpur). Padma Shri Dr. Rajnikant—General Secretary of the Human Welfare Association (HWA), Varanasi—played a crucial role by assisting with the legal procedures and documentation. Additionally, artists, associates, and well-wishers associated with *Sarjana Nyas* played a pivotal role. Although the Bhojpuri language has not yet received constitutional recognition, the GI tag awarded to *Pidiya* painting proves just how deep, rich, and globally significant the roots of Bhojpuri culture are. This achievement represents a cultural victory not just for the Bhojpur region, but for the entire Bhojpuri community. News of this development has sparked a wave of joy among artists across various disciplines, litterateurs, and cultural activists, who are congratulating one another. Painters such as Kamlesh Kundan, Suresh Pandey, Roshan Rai, Meera, Khushbu, and Aman have hailed this as a triumph of the artists' hard work and have commended Sanjeev Sinha for his efforts.