-By ArdorComm News Network
January 10, 2024
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the much-anticipated Kala Utsav 2023, a cultural extravaganza organized by the School Education and Literacy Department in collaboration with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The event, hosted at the National Bal Bhavan and the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti in New Delhi, spans four days from January 9 to 12.
At the inaugural ceremony, Minister Pradhan served as the chief guest and encouraged the ministry to expand the Kala Utsav’s reach to every school in the country, advocating for the inclusion of children’s participation in the credit framework. He expressed his vision of a developed India, stating, “A developed India can be built only by giving a broad platform to every child of India according to his interest and talent.”
Approximately 700 students from 36 states and union territories, along with participants from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, are engaging in 10 diverse events. These events include vocal music (classical and traditional folk), instrumental music (percussive and melodic), dance (classical and folk), visual arts (two-dimensional and three-dimensional), indigenous toys and games, and drama (solo acting).
In addition to inaugurating the event, Minister Pradhan administered the ‘Panch Pran’ pledge to the audience. The valedictory function, scheduled for January 12, will honor prize-winning students with trophies.
During his address, Minister Pradhan underscored the significance of the Kala Utsav in connecting the cultural diversity of the nation, fostering the creative and artistic talents of students. Linking the event to the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, Pradhan emphasized the policy’s role in mainstreaming play-based learning, sports, arts, crafts, and other creative endeavors.
“This initiative will hone the talents, skills, and overall development of the children, preparing them to become leaders of the 21st century,” he remarked, reminding students of their responsibilities in the upcoming 25 years during the Amrit Kaal, where their contributions will shape the development of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).