Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Lauds Prabha Khaitan’s Legacy at ‘Ek Mulakat’ in Kolkata
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praises the Prabha Khaitan Foundation for preserving India's cultural identity at 'Ek Mulakat' in Kolkata.
In a city renowned for its deep-rooted artistic soul, a prestigious gathering of Bengal’s most celebrated artists, writers, and intellectuals converged for an evening of profound conversation and tribute. The event, titled ‘Ek Mulakat’ held in Kolkata, served as a powerful platform to honor the enduring legacy of the late Prabha Khaitan, a visionary who transformed social consciousness into a lasting movement.
Addressing the session, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, lauded the significant contributions of the late Prabha Khaitan. He specifically highlighted the vital role played by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, describing it as a crucial organization that works quietly to achieve what governments often cannot.
A Who's Who of Bengal’s Cultural Icons
The event was graced by an extraordinary assembly of cultural luminaries, representing the very essence of Bengal's creative spirit. The guest list included:
- Mamata Shankar: Padma Shri awardee and renowned dancer.
- Pt. Purna Das Baul: The legendary Baul maestro.
- Tejendra Narayan Majumdar: Distinguished classical musician.
- Usha Uthup: Padma Bhushan awardee and iconic singer.
- Sundeep Bhutoria: Trustee of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation.
The room was filled with representatives from the worlds of art, literature, cinema, music, and theatre, alongside various foreign consuls, creating a rich tapestry of intellectual and creative exchange.
Awakening Social Consciousness
Mr. Shekhawat emphasized that the foundation established by Prabha Khaitan was built on the bedrock of awakening social awareness. He noted that through continuous and meaningful efforts, the institution is playing a vital role in protecting and preserving India’s vast cultural identity and heritage.
“The contribution of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation towards giving new dimensions to the diverse forms of culture and art in the nation’s development is also remarkable,” the Minister stated. He further explained that the foundation does not merely focus on the preservation of literature, music, and folk art, but remains consistently active in various pressing areas of social concern.
Culture as a Tool for Global Leadership
During his address, the Minister touched upon the broader significance of culture in India's modern development. He argued that art and creative expression make human beings more sensitive and have been instrumental in establishing India’s identity on the global stage.
Key points from the Minister's speech included:
- Cultural Strength: Global leadership is not solely derived from economic, political, or technological power, but also from cultural influence.
- National Identity: India's diversity, traditions, and folk cultures are its greatest strengths.
- The Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum: Much like the Louvre in France, India is working to showcase its 10,000-year civilizational journey through this massive upcoming project in New Delhi.
- Global Recognition: The global embrace of Yoga and the teaching of Sanskrit in over 60 universities abroad are testaments to India's uninterrupted knowledge tradition.
Mr. Shekhawat concluded by noting that as India moves toward a more prominent role in the world, the responsibility of those dedicated to the cultural sphere becomes increasingly significant, ensuring that the nation's ancient wisdom continues to resonate globally.