Csr Support: Artists, authors back plea to PM for CSR lit, art support | Kolkata News

Kolkata: Artists and authors from across India, including actor-director Nandita Das, Grammy award winners Ricky Kej and Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and authors Vikram Sampath and Koral Dasgupta, have lent their support to PK Foundation chairman Sundeep Bhutoria in his appeal to PM Narendra Modi for funds for literature under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme. In his plea on X, Bhutoria has urged the ministry concerned to include literature in CSR initiatives, with the aim of promoting diverse languages of the country.Bhutoria told TOI his plea came after PSUs started allotting less funds to promote art, culture and literature under CSR scheme. He said his aim was to urge the ministry to make the norms simpler so that art and literature could be easily eligible for CSR funds.The genesis of this issue can be traced back to the challenges that trusts and organisation, like PK Foundation, faced a couple of years ago while arranging for tickets to send authors abroad for events. “The trusts or organisations, under Section 80G of the I-T Act, can’t support any expenditure incurred abroad even if they promote Indian art, culture and literature. Consequently, we can’t provide tickets to authors whom we send abroad. Even the financial support we extended to classical concerts abroad had to be stopped,” Bhutoria said.The bigger stumbling block now is the challenge of PSUs in spending on literary events, where it is difficult to provide tangible beneficiaries. “Even if PSUs want to support us, neither them nor us can complete the paperwork, which necessitates Aadhaar cards of the beneficiaries. Trusts like ours can’t ask guests attending events, like an author’s afternoon or Kalam, to furnish Aadhaar cards…” Bhutoria said.

We also published the following articles recently

IIM Vizag alumnus authors book on perspectives

Anuj Suneja, an IIM Visakhapatnam alumnus, authored ‘Casual Perspectives – The Little Book of Observations’ addressing crucial contemporary issues for youth. The book offers fresh insights into decision-making, modern relationships, and marriage, highlighting alternative perspectives. Anuj, an applied psychology graduate from the University of Delhi, utilized his diverse professional experiences to inform his writing.

Tribals urge authorities to halt track doubling above Borra caves to protect ancient site

Tribal representatives and Borra Caves Guides and Employees Union urged Divisional Railway Manager Saurabh Prasad to halt the planned railway track doubling above Borra Caves. They expressed concerns about potential cave collapses due to blasting, posing danger to tourists and endangering a significant source of local income.

Rahaab Allana honoured for contributions to arts and culture

Rahaab Allana was honored with the Officier dans lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres by France for his work in South Asian photography and Indo-French cultural exchanges. Ambassador Thierry Mathou praised his efforts in fostering mutual learning and cultural cooperation over two decades. Allana expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized strengthening ties with French institutions.