Leela Samson, who quit as the director of Kalakshetra Foundation on April 12 amid pressure from a section of the board, has been reinstated by the Ministry of Culture.
“Yes, she is back,” a senior official in the Ministry told The Hindu on Friday evening. Ms. Samson too confirmed that she is rejoining the Foundation as its director. “I don’t want to say anything more at this point,” she said.
Ms. Samson’s resigned following a stormy board meeting held on April 10, when some of the members reportedly questioned her continuance the post, citing her age (she is 61) and the CAG report that pointed to certain irregularities in Kalakshetra. Two days later, on April 12, she quit saying she did not wish to continue in such unpleasant circumstances.
The artist fraternity rose to her support and many members of the Board wrote to the Ministry demanding her reinstatement.
Keywords: Kalakshetra Foundation, Leela Samson
This case shows clearly the need for personalities to exit on their due
date of retirement instead of lingering in for ever, however great
their contribution might have been. In this case, the action of the
minsitry of culture in overruling the Kalakshetra Boarde decision may
have even taken more on political considerations than on the need for
her continuance in the organisation.
This is sad... Instead of moving forward, Kalakshetra has taken several steps back towards same old hypocritical rule. Hundreds of highly talented, motivated and efficient artistic leaders are in India now. Indian arts and artistic organizations must liberate themselves from self-centered, incompetent and hopeless artists like Leela Samson. These people must step out gracefully and let the younger generation artists lead Indian arts to world arena. How long more are we going to let inefficient and bigheaded politicians and artists to suppress the young and promising achievers?
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