New Delhi [India]: Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today said that the vision of Viksit Bharat cannot be realised through good infrastructure and materialistic progress alone, but art, culture and heritage will play a vital role in it. Addressing the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar Ceremony in New Delhi, The Minister said that the soul and true identity of India lies in its cultural traditions and heritage. Mr Shekhawat said that the country is undergoing an era of transformation, with its identity and stature gaining recognition across the world. He noted that artists have a significant role to play in this transformation. The Minister highlighted the contribution of generations of artists who have sustained India’s cultural traditions despite many hardships.
Mr Shekhawat conferred the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by Sangeet Natak Akademi for the years 2024 and 2025 to 106 young artists from across the country in the field of performing arts. Talking to Akashvani News, theatre actor and director Dr Anand Kumar Pandey expressed his happiness over his achievement. He said that theatre is a lifelong commitment and is determined to continue contributing to the field of acting, direction and writing. Dr Pandey said that he is working towards creating better opportunities for emerging artists across Chhattisgarh.
[AIR News]