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Srinagar, Aug 21 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages today announced prestigious State Art Awards for 2008.

After approval of the Judgments of 44th State Art exhibition by President of Academy, Governor N N Vohra, formal orders were issued here from the head office this afternoon, Secretary Academy Zaffar Iqbal Khan Manhas said.

The first award under senior category amounting to Rs 25000 each, has been adjudged in favour of renowned artists of State Irshad Sualah and Sonu Agarwal.

Under Student Category, Ataiya Thakur and Jasleen Singh have been adjudged first, he said.

Mr Zaffar said Mr Vohra also approved Certificate of Merit under senior Artists and Student category, in favour of Amreek Singh Namdari, Prof S A Qazi, Javaid Iqbal, Surya JS Babli Rohit Verma, Reena Bala Sunita Kumari and Insha Manzoor.

He said in order to ensure participation of senior members of the artist community from all over the state in these exhibitions the academy was considering creating ''Invitees Section '' next time.

Mr Manhas said of the 54 exhibits on display, as many as 26 belonged to professional category andrest to students' category.

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