Need for Kala Kumbh in every District of Country: Mr. Manoj Joshi

 New Delhi : Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts’s, National Mission on Cultural Mapping, celebrated its Foundation Day ‘Uttarayani’. The event ‘Uttarayani’, coincided with the auspicious day of nationwide festivities of Makar Sankranti. The theme, ‘Chale Apne Gaon ki Oar,’ was embraced during the celebration, with Shri Rambahadur Rai, President of IGNCA, as the Patron, and Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, as the Advisor. Shri Manoj Joshi graced the occasion as the Chief Guest along with Shri Akashaditya Lama, as the Guests of Honour. Dr. Richa Negi, Mission Director of NMCM at IGNCA, presented an overview of the mission.

During the event, the chief guest, Mr. Manoj Joshi, commended IGNCA for its unparalleled efforts in cultural mapping of villages. He emphasized the profound connection between villages and the soul of Indian culture, stating that culture forms the backbone of the country. Mr. Joshi highlighted India’s unique cultural strength, resilient against foreign invaders’ attempts to dismantle it. He expressed the enduring link of music to our lives, from birth to death, and asserted that, despite residing in cities, the essence of our soul remains rooted in the village.

Concluding his address, Mr. Joshi envisioned the ease of cultural mapping across India with organising ‘Kala Kumbh’ in every district. He extended congratulations to IGNCA for this commendable initiative. Drawing from his personal experience of being born in a village, he emphasized the unity in cultural diversity present in every village and throughout the country. Mr. Joshi affirmed that the nation’s ethos, standing strong through ages, will endure any challenges it faces.

During his address, Shri Aakashditya Lama praised IGNCA as a sacred space dedicated to vital cultural preservation efforts. He expressed delight in IGNCA’s involvement in mapping cultural richness in villages. Aiming for reflection of Indian diversity and tradition in his television work, he emphasized the importance of both government and public support for folk art and culture. While acknowledging the government’s efforts through institutions like IGNCA and projects like NMCM, he urged individuals to play their part in preserving the distinct and diverse cultural practices of our country.

During his address, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi emphasised that, through the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, we are archiving and documenting the distinct cultural aspects of the country’s six hundred and fifty thousand villages. He also highlighted the unique parameters guiding the documentation process.  Dr. Joshi pointed out that urbanisation has reduced the size of the country’s villages by 20%, stressing the importance of preserving the cultural traditions and ethos that reside in these villages.

He informed the audience that, out of the six hundred and fifty thousand villages, four hundred and fifty thousand have already been mapped. Dr. Joshi explained the three-level validation process for mapping and highlighted the interactivity of the portal, allowing visitors to contribute information. The distinct features of each village are meticulously recorded.  Referring to the Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Dr. Joshi reiterated the call for archiving, documenting, and reviving lullabies in Indian languages, as well as decorating households across the country. The need to safeguard and promote the cultural ethos of the villages remains imperative in the face of ongoing changes and challenges.

Dr. Richa Negi presented an overview of NMCM, led by IGNCA, aiming to identify and document India’s cultural heritage for rural regeneration. The initiative maps artists and cultural practices, creating national directories to preserve vulnerable art practices. NMCM supports sustainable development for cultural capitals, revitalizes traditional arts, promotes cultural tourism, and empowers communities. The objective is to culturally map 6.5 lakh villages, showcased on the MGMD portal launched on July 27, 2023, contributing to the preservation and revitalization of village culture nationwide.

A diverse range of programmes marked the ‘Uttarayani’ celebration, encompassing cultural events, a captivating rangoli competition, and an exhibition featuring the sale of artefacts. The Rangoli competition, themed ‘Makar Sankranti’, witnessed participants skilfully depicting the festival celebrated under various names across the country. Engaging not only adult artists but also students from ‘Sardar Patel Vidyalaya’ and ‘Air Force Bal Bharti’ school in Lodhi Road, Delhi, the competition showcased a blend of creativity. Adding a unique touch, attendees also enjoyed the extinct Bioscope during the programme.

The programme concluded with a mesmerizing performance of dance and singing by folk artists, creating a resonant atmosphere with the beats of drums and captivating voices. ‘Uttarayani’ beautifully showcased India’s rich rural culture, a cause passionately championed by NMCM for preservation and propagation.