A first, state frames Cultural Policy

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 7

The government has, for the first time, formulated its Cultural Policy with the objective of preserving its dialects, scripts and folklore and bringing it to the knowledge of the present generation by way of encouraging Gurukul teaching.

The policy was given the approval by the Cabinet at its meeting last week. It had been decided to set up a high-level committee, headed by the Chief Minister, to ensure its implementation.

“Making the artistic genres alive and bringing knowledge and culture to the present generation and provide a strong foundation of culture for the future generation is the crux of the policy,” said RD Dhiman, Additional Chief Secretary, Language, Art and Culture.

Besides, the social practices, clothing, folklore, dialects, scripts and religious beliefs would come under the ambit of the policy.

Dhiman said the showcasing of the rich arts and culture of Himachal at national and international fora would help in attracting tourists and promoting the tourism sector.

“As per the policy, the different cultural streams have been classified into archaeological remains, crafts and performing arts, sculpture, paintings and architecture,” said Pankaj Lalit, Director, Language, Art and Culture. It had also been decided to set up a Himachal Kalagram, which would showcase the state’s handicrafts.

The policy proposed to set up of a film city to attract film units to shoot at the picturesque locations. It had also been proposed to set up a department of folk dance in Himachal Pradesh University so that the rich folk dances from every nook and corner from the state could be taught.

Lalit said the efforts would be made to preserve and promote paintings of Kangra, Guler, Chamba, Mandi, Kullu and Arki. The focus would also be on preservation of forts, palaces, temples, historical buildings and Buddhist Gompas. Besides, other art forms like stone, wood and metal sculptures would also be promoted.

Various musical instruments and folk dances like natti, chatti, gidda and fagli would also be included in this policy. A major focus area would be fairs and festivals, which form an integral part of the rich culture and tradition of the state.

Other aspects of the policy included facilitating litterateurs by building writer houses at the district level. Another highlight was the endeavour to strengthen the artists economically and carry out cultural activities in every village of the state.