Jharkhand Plans to Establish Cultural Academies
– In a significant development, the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Jharkhand, operating under the Department of Tourism, Art Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs, has unveiled a draft proposal cum manual for the establishment of the ‘Jharkhand State Sahitya Academy,’ ‘Jharkhand State Sangeet Natya Academy,’ and ‘Jharkhand State Lalit Kala Academy.’
- After 22 years of Jharkhand’s separation as an independent state, it has been decided to create three prestigious cultural academies within its boundaries.
- The Department of Tourism, Art-Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs will be responsible for overseeing these academies’ establishment, with the Jharkhand Directorate of Cultural Affairs preparing the proposal and rules to facilitate their formation.
- Before seeking cabinet approval, the state government is actively seeking suggestions and ideas from eminent artists, authors, cultural enthusiasts, and theater professionals to ensure a flawless foundation. The Directorate of Cultural Affairs has set a deadline of September 11, 2023, for submissions.
- Once valuable suggestions and ideas are received, they will be incorporated into the proposal and finalized. Contributors can download the proposal cum manual from the Directorate’s website (www.jharkhandculture.com) and submit their input in person, via registered post, courier to the Directorate office at MDI Bhawan Dhurwa, or via email (dirjharkhandculture@gmail.com).
- It’s worth noting that since its inception as a separate state, there has been a persistent demand from various quarters for the establishment of cultural academies focusing on literature, music, and fine arts in Jharkhand. An Establishment Struggle (Ad-hoc) Committee was established to advocate for the formation of the Sahitya Academy. Chairman Shiromani Mahato, along with MLA Vinod Singh and artist Basu Bihari, even met with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who assured them of swift action in this regard.
The initiation of these academies marks a significant cultural milestone in Jharkhand’s history, reflecting the state’s commitment to nurturing and promoting its rich cultural heritage. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development.
