Our voice is being heard by many. And the media is helping connect the dots. A recent story about this situation and the petition in Mid-Day Mumbai, presented the much awaited view from ASI. (please find the link to the article at the end) The reason that the ASI official gave with respect to the rule is as appalling as the rule. "sketch artists would often inconvenience other tourists. When you have 50 people sitting inside a temple or cave premises with their canvas and easels for two hours or more, it’s bound to cause inconvenience to other visitors. Imagine the agony of a tourist who wants to move around and appreciate the architecture" This official seems to think there is a separate class of beings called "sketch artists". We are talking about us as being the very same visitors and the tourists. As part of the visit, similar to the tourist taking a photo, we sketch. This is what we are talking about. We are not talking about some special event where 50 artists will sit with large canvases and paint. First of all Did such a event ever happen in the country? why is he talking about a hypothetical situation that never happened? and secondly if such a event were to happen, then it would just be fantastic. From our experience the visitors and tourists enjoy immensely interacting with those who sketch and appreciate it. This is the FACT. ASI officials must observe this to understand it. If people sketching on books is inconvenience, so are those hundreds taking photos and videos, how complicated is this logic? I believe that this reason that the ASI official presented is completely wrong. The reason this rule exists is perhaps because of the archaic idea of copy protection. In order to prevent the copying(replication) of the monument which may result in the monument loosing its value, this rule was created. Why else do you use the word "Copying"? Now that we are allowing photography this rule makes no sense, by their own definition in the rule book. Instead of getting rid of this rule, the ASI seems to invent a reason such as "inconvenience" to simply keep this permission process going. Also by getting the permission how does the inconvenience magically disappear? When there is no need to obtain permission for photography or making videos, why should there be a process for getting permission to sketch? Why should the official be spending precious time looking at 60 mails and decide whether to give permission or not? and why should anyone spend their time to get a permission?! be it a student of art, architecture, or anyone who loves to sketch? If they are indeed concerned about this sudden rush of artists massively converging and painting on large canvases (I am unable to imagine such a fantastic scene), perhaps a permission process can be used for painting with the use of equipment such as an easel. Sketching on hand held sketch pads should need no permission! This restriction should simply GO! When you do go out to sketch at places where this restriction exists, do insist on talking to the official and ask them to explain why you cannot sketch, and in what way you are inconveniencing the public? Please continue to share and encourage many to sign.