Himachal artist gets Padma Shri

Shimla: Vijay Sharma, a Himachal Pradesh artist known for his Kangra miniature paintings, was Wednesday named for the Padma Shri award, the fourth highest civilian honour. Sharma of the state language and culture department is posted in Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba. His name figures in the Padma Shri award list, traditionally announced the day before Republic Day and conferred by the president in March or April. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal congratulated Sharma and lauded his contribution in the field of art. IANS