Thursday, June 9 2005 15:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Ram Niwas Mirdha, who took over as Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi from Sonal Mansingh, today (Jun 9, 2005) vowed to put in order the "disturbed" premier cultural organisation by acting as a facilitator instead of a Chief Executive Officer.

Mirdha, who was the Chairman of the Lalit Kala Akademi for two terms, said his first priority would be to tackle the issue of resignations by several eminent artistes from the body.

"I am in touch with them to see what they propose to do. The Government has not accepted their resignations as yet," the former Union Minister told reporters in New Delhi.

"I think the crisis will get over as early as possible," Mirdha said adding he was ready to speak with the artistes who had quit the Akademi's General Council.

He said he would salute all artistes and let them make decisions for the Akademi and not impose anything on them.

"I am just a facilitator, not the Chief Executive Officer. I will salute every artiste and let them take decisions rather than imposing something on them," he said.

Asked whether he was a politician or art lover, Mirdha said, "I am a little of both."

Mirdha said he had also asked the Government to consider his appointment as Chairman as an interim one and continue search for an eminent person from the artiste community.

Asked about allegations of financial irregularities in the Akademi, Mirdha said, "We take them very seriously and will investigate if brought to our notice."