Under the leadership of Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) convened in Udaipur to honor folk artistes during the upcoming Chandigarh Craft Fair. Two new awards for young talents were introduced, alongside substantial budget approvals for cultural activities in the coming years. The meeting underscored a commitment to maintaining the integrity and diversity of India’s rich artistic heritage while enhancing support for artists.
In a gathering bursting with cultural fervor, the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), under the stewardship of Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, convened in the picturesque surroundings of Udaipur. The heart of the meeting, which took place today, was a celebration of folk arts, as plans were unveiled to honor emerging talents and veteran artistes alike during the much-anticipated Chandigarh Craft Fair, scheduled from November 29 to December 8. The Governor, who strides in as the ex-officio Chairperson of NZCC, is set to bestow prestigious awards, including recognition for young folk artists and a lifetime achievement honor for seasoned performers. This forward-thinking initiative, born from last year’s success, now includes two commendations exclusively for promising young talents, echoing a commitment to nurture the vibrant folk culture. During the meeting, the Board of Governors gave the nod to financial provisions amounting to Rs 23 crore for the current fiscal year and earmarked Rs 16 crore for upcoming programs in 2024-25. This substantial investment underscores the importance of cultural representation across various art forms, aligning perfectly with NZCC’s mandate to honor and propagate diverse cultural expressions. A captivating documentary titled ‘Pandav Leela’ from Uttarakhand was screened as a visual feast that showcased the essence of folk traditions. NZCC Director Furqan Khan eloquently detailed the Centre’s financial landscape and operational dynamics via a compelling power point presentation. He highlighted the recent uplift in honorarium rates for artistes across genres, a move applauded by attendees as a progressive step forward. Amita Prasad Sarbhai, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, contributed to the dialogue via an online presence, advocating for a deeper collaboration between state members and the NZCC to ensure that authentic artistes truly benefit from the Ministry’s initiatives. As the meeting drew to a close, Kataria expressed his gratitude, commending the NZCC Director and his team for their diligence and transparency, fostering a spirit of trust and excellence. The assembly included distinguished figures from various cultural departments, all sharing a common thread of passion for preserving and promoting India’s rich artistic heritage.
This article revolves around the efforts of the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), a body under the Union Ministry of Culture dedicated to promoting and preserving cultural heritage in India. The NZCC plays a vital role in recognizing artists through awards and funding that sustains cultural activities and programs. The recent meeting emphasized not only the recognition of art forms but also securing funds for future artistic endeavors, showcasing the Indian government’s commitment to nurturing tradition and cultural diversity.
The meeting of the NZCC signifies a momentous step in acknowledging and rewarding folk artists, fostering a culture of appreciation for both budding and experienced talents. With substantial funding approved, the future of cultural programs seems promising, ensuring that the colorful tapestry of Indian folk arts is woven with care and elegance, supported by both authority and community enthusiasm.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
