Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, shared details in Lok Sabha about the government’s continued efforts to maintain and promote India’s rich cultural heritage. The Ministry of Culture is working to protect regional languages, traditional art forms, and performing arts that are at risk of fading away.
The Sahitya Akademi (SA) is helping to promote literature in 24 recognized languages and many lesser-known tribal languages. It organizes language conventions and presents the Bhasha Samman Award to scholars for their work in unrecognized languages like Tulu, Magahi, Khasi, and Bhojpuri.
Two important institutions, the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) and Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA) are working to preserve India’s endangered performing and visual arts. They organize workshops, exhibitions, and
programs such as the Museum of Performing Arts and PARI project to showcase and protect unique art forms. Activities like puppetry camps, tribal art conclaves, and rangoli workshops are also helping to keep traditional arts alive.
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is focused on documenting endangered languages and art forms through films, digital archives, and workshops. The National Mission on Manuscripts works to preserve rare manuscripts and unlock India’s traditional knowledge for scholars and the public.
Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) play a key role in reviving rare and vanishing art forms. Programs like Guru-Shishya Parampara train young students under expert teachers, while awards for young artists encourage emerging talent. Other programs, such as Theatre Rejuvenation and Shilpgram, support theatre performances and promote rural crafts.
The Ministry plans to organize cultural festivals, exhibitions, and exchange programs to raise awareness about India’s diverse heritage. Through digital archives, training programs, and public-private partnerships, the government is working to ensure that future generations can appreciate and carry forward India’s cultural legacy.
Honoring scholars and artists with awards like Bhasha Samman and promoting North-East heritage through programs like Octave are important parts of the Ministry’s efforts. These steps reflect the government’s commitment to preserving India’s unique and diverse cultural identity. (PR)