Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: Eminent theater director and Cultural Diplomat of India to South Africa Balwant Thakur advocated for prioritizing theatre and arts in the larger interest of shaping up future generations.
Thakur was addressing the virtual world platform of Mera Manch, Gwalior live from the Johannesburg city of South Africa which showcases one film and theatre celebrity every day aimed at enriching the art lovers from the rich experiences of art genius.
In a very interesting manner, Balwant Thakur narrated his journey from a remote village boy to the position of a Diplomat of the country which was full of highly dramatic ups and downs.
Credited as the highest Indian honor holder in performing arts Balwant Thakur created milestones in every sphere of life be it the creative and innovation or cultural administration.
Referring to his experiences of handling cultural affairs of Jammu and Kashmir he said that whenever the arts are administered by creative people anywhere on this earth, they created wonders. This has been history in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that we won top position in National Republic Day in Delhi five times during his tenure of Eight years as Secretary Art Culture and Languages. Unfortunately art and culture remained the least priority of the successive Governments which resulted in the pathetic state of cultural affairs. Had art and culture been the priority of the Government and the society, the quality of civic life would have been different. You take away the opportunity of associating an individual from creativity either as a participant or a spectator, that individual is no less than a machine.
Referring again to J&K, Balwant Thakur said that this region offers immense diversity in terms of variegated variety of cultural expressions and this unique strength can be a major attraction of world tourism. He cited the examples of most of the developed countries where the occasions of Theatre and arts are the major tourist destinations. India is planning to come up with 100 smart cities and rejuvenation of 500 others. Upgrading infrastructure will not make a city and it’s life smart unless there is a total intervention of arts and aesthetics.
Referring to his initiatives with children in theatre, he said that there has been a tremendous response and people are a witness to the total transformation of the personality of the children who have been a part of the theatre training processes.
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