NEW DELHI, Nov 19:
Stressing the role of culture as a balancing factor between progress and the inner needs of an individual, President Pranab Mukherjee today called for re-inventing new ways of establishing a creative and meaningful dialogue between different stakeholders and adding cultural dimensions to the development debate.
Mr Mukherjee was speaking after inaugurating silver jubilee celebrations of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) at a function, in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“As India stands at the threshold of substantive economic progress and scientific development, the role of culture as a balancing factor between progress and the inner needs of an individual; between his spiritual quest and material aspirations; between technological advancement and the need to maintain ecological parity cannot be over-emphasised,” the President said.
He said the role of institutions such as IGNCA becomes more significant in this context. Institutions like IGNCA constantly need to discover and re-invent new ways of establishing a creative and meaningful dialogue between different stakeholders and adding cultural dimensions to the development debate.
Speaking at the function, which coincided with the 95th Birth Anniversary of the Late Indira Gandhi, the President, while recognising the stellar contribution of IGNCA over the years, said,”the President’s Secretariat is presently collaborating with IGNCA for undertaking a multi-volume project on various aspects of Rashtrapati Bhavan’s archaeological history, its making, its art and cultural artefacts. I wish the project all success.”
Recognising the stellar contribution of IGNCA over the years, the President said the IGNCA was established as an institution encompassing study of all areas of art. It has compiled and edited some of the most signifigant works of art.
The President said that over the years, the IGNCA had provided a platform for bridging the gap between modern Science, art and culture.
Mr Mukherjee wished IGNCA the very best in its academic pursuits and hoped that its network with the universities and institutions, both in India and abroad, would grow further. He was confident that IGNCA, under the able guidance of its Trust, would continue forward on its journey of excellence.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Minister for Culture Chandresh Kumari Katoch, Defence Minister A K Antony and External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid. (UNI)
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