Governor Ram Naresh Yadav has said that Balrang is helpful in instilling moral values in children.
They learn moral values directly and indirectly through this event. The Governor was inaugurating national Balrang 2013-14 organised at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalay jointly by School Education Department and the Museum here on Thursday. The programme was presided over by School Education Minister Paras Jain. Tribal Welfare Minister Gyan Singh and Minister of State for School Education Deepak Joshi was also present on the occasion.
Yadav said that morality and teaching of building character should be given since early childhood. History is witness that even foreign countries have adopted Indian culture and rituals. It is the responsibility of teachers to mould children like clay in good form and shape. Imbuing good manners in children will bring about cultural finesse not only in families but entire society.
The Governor expressed happiness that children from various states displayed culture, rituals and rites, traditions, sports and atmosphere of their respective states at Balrang. The Governor said that cultural heritage is the real heritage of India. Yadav said that children should be made aware of moral and cultural values right from class I. He said that shape of this festival seems like mini India.
He said that dream of India’s bright future seems coming true after seeing children from various states and speaking different languages of India at the same platform. He exhorted children to imbibe moral and cultural values drawing inspiration from country’s great persons like Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, former Prime Minister late lal Bahadur Shastri and former President APJ Abdul Kalam.
Paras Jain described children from all over the country as carriers of culture. He said that children participating in Balrang will become persons to reckon with in future. Jain said that children from various cultures get opportunity to know each other’s culture at Balrang. He informed that award money for folk dance-drama has been enhanced this year. Now the winner will get Rs 51,000 instead of Rs 15,000, runner-up Rs 31,000 instead of Rs 11,000 while Rs 21,000 instead of Rs 7,000 will be given to third prize winner.
Gyan Singh urged children to save their culture from effects of Western culture. Balrang is also an important link in this series. Deepak Joshi said that children must have detailed knowledge about India. He hoped that children will carry forward Indian culture. Principal Secretary School Education SR Mohanty informed that 920 students from 10 divisions of the state participated in various state-level competitions during the 3-day Balrang. As many as 220 children from 11 states including Madhya Pradesh are participating in national folk-dance competition.
In Mini India Exhibition, 2800 students and teachers are putting up display of 28 state’s culture. As many as 24 exhibits have also been put up regarding vocational and science education in which 250 students are participating. Meanwhile, 500 students participated in Bal Patra, Bal Nyayalay, Bal Police and Jungle Scout Camp.
At the outset, girl students of Government Kamla Nehru Higher Secondary School recited Vande Mataram and Madhya Pradesh Gaan. Mohanty and Commissioner Public Instructions SK Pal welcomed the guests. Museum’s Joint Director Arun Shrivastava delivered the welcome address. Mohanty and Pal presented mementoes to the guests. The Governor released Balrang’s souvenir. The Governor and other guests inspected Mini India Exhibition and interacted with children. Exhibition’s theme was “Bharatiya Sanskriti Ke Rang, Balrang Ke Sang”.