Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday inaugurated the National Art Festival 2024-25, a unique confluence of culture and art, at the Kala Mandapam of the NCERT campus in Bhopal by lighting the lamp. A beautiful blend of traditional and modern art has been incorporated in the program. The National Art Festival 2024-25 will run till Monday, January 6, in which artists from all over the country will showcase their art.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that art is a reflection of our society and our culture. Promoting it is an important step towards preserving our cultural heritage. Art is a sadhana and the artist is a seeker. Art is both achievable and sacred. Art itself embellishes society. He assured of all possible support to artists and cultural institutions by the state government and emphasized on preservation and promotion of art.
Yadav citing an example, said that Lord Krishna was proficient in 64 arts and 14 disciplines. He was well-versed in fine arts. He was passionate, devoted, and was the ultimate yogi who came to this earth to establish religion. Shri Krishna, the originator of yogic practices, was a Yogiraj in the true sense. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that unity in diversity is the specialty of India. We should be proud of our rich cultural heritage. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that this festival is a unique programme started by the Government of India in 2015, which aims to develop the artistic talent of the students and preserve and keep the heritage of Indian art and craft intact. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that it plays an important role in promoting the cultural tradition of India among the students. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes on promoting art and culture through education.
Yadav emphasized the significance of promoting Indian art and culture, highlighting its importance not only for the nation but for every individual. He stated that art and culture play a vital role in fostering moral values and ethical awareness in students, enabling them to grow into compassionate and sensitive individuals rather than becoming overly mechanical.Dr. Yadav noted that all forms of art serve as powerful tools for learning. Whether it is dance, music, instrumental performance, painting, craftsmanship, or traditional games and toys, these activities contribute significantly to the physical, mental, ideological, social, emotional, and practical development of students. He praised Kala Utsav as a platform that offers students the opportunity to experience the diverse cultural heritage of India. The event fosters a sense of unity as students from different states come together, creating a connection that unites them with the cultural essence of the entire nation.
While encouraging child artists from different parts of the country, School Education and Transport Minister Uday Pratap Singh said that this Kala Utsav provides a platform for the child artists to express/exhibit their talent. On a positive note, he said that today our children are bringing glory to the country with their talents in Science, art-skills and culture. Child artists should hone their skills further. The entire horizon is theirs, the future is theirs.
Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Education and Literacy Anandrao Vishnu Patil said that the 10th edition of Kala Utsav is being organized under Vikasit Bharat Abhiyan and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through which children are further improving their talent in arts.
NCERT New Delhi Director Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani said that our new education policy is all-inclusive. It helps students understand science in arts and art in science and social science. Whatever we have done till now is dedicated to the creation of Vikasit Bharat. Child artists perform for three days in the Kala Utsav. On the fourth and last day, the Kala Utsav concludes with awarding the artists by the jury.
