Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Tuesday emphasised the urgent need for a supportive framework that allows artists to flourish free from financial insecurity. He highlighted the importance of recognizing and uplifting those dedicated to dance and music who are currently facing hardships.
“We must handhold them and reignite their passion,” he said at the Concluding Ceremony of the International Festival on Indian Dance held here organised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Dhankar acknowledged the critical role of fiscal assistance, noting that many artists become so immersed in their craft that they overlook their financial needs.
He assured that the Union Culture Ministry would establish a mechanism to unite all stakeholders in the arts, promoting collaboration to create a nurturing ecosystem where artists feel secure and supported. This initiative aims to uncover and celebrate the immense talent found in villages and smaller cities, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape.
The Vice President also expressed concern about the lack of inclusivity across various sectors.
He asserted that India has become a global beacon of inclusive growth, benefiting from good governance and affirmative policies that uplift the most vulnerable and marginalized. “This has instilled a sense of hope and possibility in our nation, a sentiment that was absent just a few years ago,” he noted.
In a world rife with conflicts and challenges, Dhankar pointed to the unifying power of dance and music. “These art forms transcend cultural barriers and offer a ray of light amidst turmoil,” he remarked.
He called for collective action to engage the youth in Indian dance and music, emphasizing that such involvement can help divert them from detrimental habits like drug use. By participating in the arts, whether as performers or spectators, young people can foster positivity and a sense of community well-being, he added.
Dhankar urged a collaborative effort to promote Indian cultural heritage, ensuring that the richness of our artistic traditions resonates widely and positively impacts society.
