Closing Ceremony of ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2016’ graced by the esteemed presence of President Shri Pranab Mukherjee
‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2016’ the celebrated festival oraganized by the Ministry of Culture from 15th October, 2016 ended today with a dazzling closing ceremony graced by the esteemed presence of the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee as the Chief Guest. The festival has been receiving continuous gratitude each day for playing a major role to effectively connect the audience to the rich, diverse and undiscovered culture of India. The festival brought together more than 1200 performers to perform over 400 acts and showcased handicrafts created by more than 250 master craftsmen from all over India clubbed with, diverse cuisines prepared by tradition chefs, all under one- roof.
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee appreciated diligent efforts of the Ministry of Culture for organising a great amalgamation of food, dance, entertainment, performances and shopping delights which efficiently delivered a glimpse of the entire country to the audience. This festival has a very noble objective, and that is to celebrate the spirit of tradition, culture, heritage and diversity of our great nation, he said. He complimented Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Tourism and Culture, under whose dynamic leadership this festival has been conceptualized and organized.
He said that India has a rich and unique heritage of art and culture comprising classical music, traditional and tribal music and dances, modern fusion music, and instrumental music. Music, fine arts, ragas and rasas have been an integral part of our cultural life. These elements have all played an important role in our spiritual rejuvenation. By showcasing the composite Indian traditional art and culture including different folk dances, this festival has achieved a very important objective from the nationalistic point of view: integration through diverse cultural tradition. On this occasion, he paid his tribute to the great artistes, musicians, classical singers, shehnai vadaks and flautists for their contribution to the national cultural heritage.
The President said that Culture defines people. Culture comprises the practices of people identifying their shared goals and values. A flourishing culture also propels creativity in the people leading to development on all fronts. India may be a young nation but it is an old civilization dating back a few thousand years. The accumulation of cultural wealth over the centuries is immense. At the same time, there has been assimilation of ideas and values. This has resulted in a nation which is diverse and represented by plurality in its culture.
He said that India is a multi-faceted nation of 1.3 billion people, 122 languages, 1600 dialects and 7 religions and yet existing under one system, one flag, one Constitution and one type of administration. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru once observed and he quoted: “It is a country held together by strong but invisible threads” (unquote). In a pluralistic society, the values of tolerance, respect for contrary views and patience are essential in our citizens particularly the youth. Pluralism and tolerance have been the hallmark of our civilization. This core philosophy must continue unabated. For, India’s strength lies in her diversity.
The President said that Diversity is a double-edged sword. If all of us work together in harmony with unity of purpose, we can achieve tremendous heights as a nation. However, if different strands pull apart in different directions, it will only negate the good. India has always stood out as a beacon of harmonious co-existence in front of the world where in many parts people are fighting people to lunge further into darkness. Let our diversity continue to be our strength.
He opined that we can thrive on our plurality if there is greater understanding and appreciation among our countrymen about each others’ cultures, tastes and habits. Physical distance should not be allowed to come in the way of our citizens engaging with one another in the field of culture. The more the exchanges and interactions between our people, the greater will be the knowledge and understanding of one another. Particularly, the youth of our country – the internet generation – who are also exposed to the world outside must know and learn to value their own roots. This is particularly relevant as there is growing inquisitiveness in the western world and outside about ancient Indian culture which is a rich source of spiritual inspiration. This cultural festival has boosted our efforts to reconnect our youth to their roots and India’s rich cultural heritage.
The President concluded that Art and culture not only bind a nation together but also promote cultural harmony and national unity. This festival has also provided a forum for representing each and every dimension of our cultural tradition and showcasing it to the nation. The “Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav” translates the ideal of ‘unity in diversity’ into action. He complimented everyone associated with this Mahotsav for its very successful organization.
Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism in his address said, “We are immensely delighted to successfully organise the 10- day long distinguished festival, the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2016, which showcased the unexplored culture of India, like never before. The festival was a pure blend of art & culture, epicurean fest, magnificent performances and shopping delights that well connected people from all over the world with India’s rich culture and heritage”. He thanked the President of India for kindly agreeing to grace the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest. Alongside, he also thanked all the Directors of ZCCs, artists and performers from different cultural zones of India, who augmented the success of the festival at a rapid pace, making it the largest ensemble of culture”. He informed the august audience that Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav
will be organized in other parts of the country also to popularize our rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Shri N. K. Sinha, secretary, M/o Culture presented an overview of the 10 days Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2016 on the occasion. Shri M.L. Srivastava, Chairman, Empowered Committee for Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav gave Vote of Thanks.
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2016, while continuously promoted the culture and heritage of India, it also promoted various government’s initiatives such as ‘Skill India’, ‘Beti Bachao,Beti Padhao Andolan’; ‘Digital India’ and ‘Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan’. Various banners erected across the IGNCA campus accompanied by energetic volunteers, effectively spread the word to promote these profound initiatives.
