Chief Minister Shivraj Singh on Sunday inaugurated the Vindhya Maikal lok Rang Samaroh, performing pooja-archana of Jai Bada Dev and Jai Mahadev. Chouhan participated in the dance with different teams of folk artists beating drums and Shaila in the amazing confluence of folk art. On the one hand Vindhya Maikal sound resonated the stadium and on the other viewers were astonished with the breathtaking performances of the folk artists.
On the occasion, Chouhan elucidated how money never brings true happiness, "I have seen rich people dispirited. Anyone who wishes to learn happiness can learn it from the tribal. Their lives are filled with colours. Cheerfulness in life can be learnt from the artists, he added. Hence, Anand Department has been established in the State to facilitate collection of old art culture, literature, paintings, mural paintings etc."
Chouhan honoured the renowned tribal artists presenting them shawls and announced an honour fund of Rs 25,000 to each artists' team. Besides, he laid the foundation stone of community bhavans costing Rs 50 lakh each which are being constructed for Baiga community and in memory of Rani Durgavati.
Similarly, Chouhan announced installation of Shabri Maa idol, establishment of lok Kala Kendra, art museum at Dindori, Smriti Bhavan at Bijapuri Anuppur and construction of art museum at Bhopal. Chouhan said that Vindhya Maikal lok Rang will be organized in Umaria every year to keep tribal art alive.
The Chief Minister was welcomed with peacock feathers at the beginning of the programme. He praised the artists while viewing the woodcrafts, mural paintings and other art works etc.