Governor Bagde Calls for Effective Measures to Promote Folk Arts and Cultural Heritage

Udaipur/Goa: Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde directed the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC) to intensify efforts for the promotion of art and artists across its member states—Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The Governor also attended a cultural evening featuring traditional performances at Lok Bhavan, Goa.

During the annual meeting of the Governing Committee of the West Zone Cultural Centre, it was decided that a major cultural event would be jointly organized in Goa by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, and the West Zone Cultural Centre.

Governor Bagde emphasized the need to provide greater opportunities to rural artists and to undertake dedicated efforts for the preservation of local arts, crafts, and cultural heritage. He highlighted the importance of creating effective marketing avenues for artisans and craftsmen associated with traditional handicrafts and folk arts.

The meeting was also attended by the Governor of Goa, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Rajasthan Governor Bagde welcomed his Goan counterpart at the beginning of the session. Addressing the gathering, Governor Raju noted that Goa possesses a rich cultural heritage and called upon the West Zone Cultural Centre and Goa’s Department of Art and Culture to jointly formulate an action plan for organizing large-scale cultural events in the state.

He further urged the Centre to foster greater appreciation for arts within society, provide national-level platforms to artists residing in rural areas, and facilitate the marketing and promotion of traditional arts and handicraft products.

Addressing the meeting, Governor Bagde stressed that art workshops, training programmes, and cultural activities involving both senior and young artists should be organized regularly, including in remote villages and rural settlements. He remarked that societies remain sensitive and culturally vibrant when they nurture artists and artistic traditions.

The Governor also called for intensified efforts to bring the cultural heritage and folk arts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli closer to the general public. He appreciated initiatives undertaken by the Centre during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, including the Har Ghar Tiranga and Meri Maati Mera Desh campaigns.

Referring to the success of the Shilpgram Festival in Udaipur, Governor Bagde suggested that similar events should be organized in other locations as well. Such festivals, he said, not only promote local arts and crafts but also create effective marketing opportunities for handicrafts and other artistic products.

During the meeting, presentations showcasing major programmes and festivals organized by the West Zone Cultural Centre over the past year were displayed. The Centre’s Director, Dr. Ashwin M. Dalvi, presented a detailed report on the Centre’s activities and achievements. A PowerPoint presentation was also made outlining the Centre’s functioning and financial status. Members of the Governing Committee offered various suggestions for further strengthening cultural promotion initiatives.

Representatives from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and officials from various cultural departments participated in the meeting.

Cultural Performances Captivate the Audience

A vibrant cultural programme was organized in the evening at Lok Bhavan, Goa. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp in the presence of Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, and Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar.

The programme featured an array of traditional performances representing different regions of western India. Highlights included Rajasthan’s Manganiyar folk singing, Bhapang instrumental performance, Bhavai dance, and Kalbelia dance; Goa’s Dekhni and Samai dances; Maharashtra’s Saungi Mask Dance; and Gujarat’s energetic Siddi Dhamal performance.

The evening concluded with a group photograph of all participating artists and dignitaries. The programme was compered by Durgesh Chandwani, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Pawan Kumar Amarawat, Deputy Director (Programmes), West Zone Cultural Centre.