JAIPUR, Lauding the role of art and culture in building a just and peaceful human society, the Punjab Governor and Chairman of North Zone Cultural Centre, here today called for a well-structured coordinated plan by all the Northern States, for showcasing the unique cultural traditions of the region which has an immense potential and magnificent legacy of social, religious and cultural ethos.  It is the need of the hour that we make sincere and committed efforts for preserving our heritage in all its rich diversity, by adopting a multi-prolonged approach.

        Presiding over the meeting of Government Body/Executive Board of North Zone Cultural Centre in this historic City, here today, General Rodrigues said that all the States of the Northern region have a glorious past and rich traditions of arts & crafts associated with ancient history and civilization which have been rightly depicted in folklores, legendry tales and literary works.  It is high time that we attach primacy to this subject of vital importance and work together for projection of our heritage rich in variety and vitality of various art forms.

        Emphasising the need of concerted efforts for revival of fascinating handicrafts and different art forms, the Governor said that North Zone Cultural Centre has set up a huge sculpture Park in Kalagram, a hub of cultural activities in Chandigarh, which is perhaps the largest one of its kind in the Country. More than 200 big sculptures by renowned artists of the Country have been installed and the focus lights and background music are added features, which make it more attractive and worth seeing. He said that the NZCC deserve praise for organizing various art and culture events with the involvement and active participation of the people from all walks of life. Kalagram is being further re-structured and its activities are being expanded, to ensure that younger generations imbibe the value of rich Indian culture.

        General Rodrigues made a forceful plea for developing special programmes in different art forms, for associating rural people and disadvantaged sections who have not so far got access to all these revolutionary and progressive developments.  He emphasized that the artistic excellence of poor and downtrodden should also be given a fillip in order to tap their potential in the field of traditional art including theatre, music and dance.

        Mr. R.T. Zindal, Director, North Zone Cultural Centre in his welcome address said that NZCC during the year 2007-08 has organized a number of programmes and events in the region including Kurukshetra Utsav-Geeta Jayanti Samaroh, Prakriti – A Festival of Tribal Arts, Celebration of Anniversary of 1st War of Independence – 1857 at New Delhi, besides art and cultural events in rural areas, military cantonments, education institutions and remote localities. He said that NZCC has played major role in celebration of Republic Day Parade at Rajpath and organizing National Folk Dance Festival at New Delhi. He said hat the NZCC made special efforts to encourage folk and tribal arts and to frame special programmes for the preservation and strengthening of vanishing art forms.

        The senior officers from different States of the northern region attended the meeting.