Lucknow, 13 November. Now 'One District-One Art' will be promoted in Uttar Pradesh on the lines of 'One District-One Product' (ODOP) and 'One District-One Cuisine'. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made this announcement on Friday at the 63rd Foundation Day function 'Dharohar' of Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy at Sant Gadgeji Maharaj Auditorium in Gomtinagar. He said that along with giving recognition to the unique folk art and cultural heritage of each district of the state, a better platform will be provided to the local artists.
The Chief Minister said that there were many attempts to erase India's culture and mentally enslave the country, but our eternal traditions and folk arts kept our cultural identity safe amidst every challenge. He called upon the youth to stay connected to their cultural roots and folk traditions while using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology.
Neglect of folk arts weakens cultural identity
The Chief Minister said that many civilizations of the world came to an end with time, but India's culture survived despite attempts at sword and mental slavery. Folk traditions have carried the country's cultural soul and self-respect from generation to generation. However, after independence many folk arts and traditional instruments were neglected. He said that the extinction of any art is not just the extinction of a genre, but the loss of an important chapter of our identity.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five pledges, Yogi said that it is important to be proud of our heritage to build a developed India. The state government is giving a new identity to the cultural centers of Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura and Braj region. Events like Deepotsav and Dev Diwali are taking Indian culture to the global stage.
Unique art of every district will get a platform
The Chief Minister said that the ODOP scheme has given recognition to the state's products in the country and the world and the state's exports have crossed Rs 2 lakh crore. Similarly, One District-One Cuisine also has vast potential. Now the special art of every district will be encouraged through One District-One Art. He instructed the Culture Department and various academies to work in this direction on priority and to give platform to local artists.
Adopt technology, but stay connected to your roots, youth
Addressing the young artists, the Chief Minister said that in the changing times, new experiments should be done by making full use of digital mediums and AI. Artists should bring their talent to the world, but do not forget the fragrance of their soil, folk tunes, Guru's teachings and cultural heritage. The purpose of technology is to make life easier, not to remove cultural roots and interactions.
Instructions to fill vacant posts of academy soon
The Chief Minister appreciated the presentations of traditional musical instruments like Vichitra Veena, Sarangi and Pakhawaj by the artists of the Academy. He directed Additional Chief Secretary Tourism and Culture Amrit Abhijat to immediately address the shortage of human resources in the academy. For this, a board or committee was formed and asked to complete the selection process and give relaxation in age limit if necessary. He clarified that the posts should not remain vacant.
Told music as a medium of worship
Yogi said that in Indian tradition, music is not just a means of entertainment but a medium of worship of God. Referring to the origin of Maheshwar Sutras from Lord Shiva's Damru and Shri Krishna's flute and Mother Saraswati's Veena, he explained the spiritual importance of music. He appreciated the contribution of Lucknow, Banaras, Agra and Rampur gharanas. Also remembered Pandit Birju Maharaj, Lachhu Maharaj, Girija Devi and Begum Akhtar. Raasleela of Braj, Birha of Purvanchal and Alha of Bundelkhand were described as important heritage of Guru-shishya tradition.
Proposal to increase prize money approved
Academy President Professor Jayant Khot said that the institution established on November 13, 1963, is working for the preservation and promotion of music, dance, drama and folk arts. He expressed the need to increase the facilities for the employees of the Academy and Kathak Center and to fill the vacant posts. Also thanked the Chief Minister for approving the proposal to increase the amount of Academy Awards.
Rangoli was also decorated in the function along with the exhibition of State Art Museum and Lalit Kala Academy. The Chief Minister watched a short film based on the 63 years of the Academy's journey and visited the exhibition of traditional musical instruments. The winner of the competition, Shivansh Singh performed Vichitra Veena, Anshul Tukwar performed Sarangi, Soham Mishra performed Tabla, Vaibhav Ramdas performed Pakhawaj and Atharva Pratap Singh performed flute.
Celebrities from the world of art and culture were present
Many personalities from the world of art and culture including Chief Minister's advisor Avnish Kumar Awasthi, folk singer Malini Awasthi, Bharatendu Natya Academy President Ravi Shankar Tripathi, State Lalit Kala Academy Vice President Girish Chandra Mishra, Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan Vice President Mithilesh Tiwari, Kumkum Dhar, Sangeet Natak Academy Director Rajkumar and Jain Vidya Shodh Sansthan Vice President Abhay Jain were present in the program.