Centre's nod for restoring Ramkinkar's works in Vishva-Bharati

Kolkata: The works of master sculptor and painter Ramkinkar Baij on the Vishva-Bharati campus in Santiniketan will now be restored to its full glory as the Centre has sanctioned Rs 8 crore for its preservation.

The acting vice-chancellor of the central university, Swapankumar Dutta, said the Union Ministry of Culture has given its verbal assent to their proposal for preserving the works created by the legendary sculptor between 1930 and 1980.

"The sculptures of Ramkinkar are made of cement and laterite mortar. He used material that was available to him. The sculptures are now falling prey to the vagaries of nature, despite best efforts by the university. We are now waiting for an official consent letter from the Centre," the acting vice chancellor told PTI.

Some of Baij's famous works such as the 'Santhal Family', the 'Buddha' and the 'Sujata' would be cast in bronze, Dutta said. These sculptures would then be retained by the university or find a place at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi, he asserted.

"Visiting scholars and guests to Visva Bharati have often expressed concern over the state of the creations by Ramkinkar, who is an integral part of Santiniketan's legacy. The Visva Bharati has been doing everything possible. But, that may not be enough,” he said.

The Centre's move came after the visit of a top government official to the campus in March. Soon after, a central team arrived at the institute and studied the condition of the sculptures, he added.