Govt will promote rural artists: Sidhu

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 24

The state government has launched a programme with the help of Punjab Kala Parishad (Arts Council) to promote culture and heritage in villages. This was stated by Tourism and Culture Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu here today.

As per the plan of his ministry, the council will involve various district administrations, which will reach out to tehsils, followed by villages for the creation of platforms and empowerment of local artists.

Sidhu also announced a grant of Rs 1 crore to the council for an effective implementation of the plan during a programme held to commemorate the 141st birth anniversary of legendary poet Dhani Ram Chatrik at Government Senior Secondary School, Lopoke.

Sidhu said, “The aim is to reach out to young minds at the grass-roots level at an earlier age. We aim to empower the existing cultural clubs, artists in every nook and corner through the arts council. We are bringing the Punjab Arts Council, Chandigarh, out of the capital to villages. The function being held today is a part of the programme chalked out by the state government to preserve the centuries-old cultural legacy. We are creating platforms for rich talent in our villages.”

Punjab Arts Council chairman Dr Surjit Patar paid floral tributes to poet Dhani Ram Chatrik and said, “We plan to designate certain villages to a literary individual who shall be responsible for promoting our culture and heritage among locals and students. We are bringing the council to villages.”