VASANTOTSAV IS A SYMBOL OF JOY AND CREATIVE ENERGY: MINISTER ARUN SHANKAR PRASAD

VASANTOTSAV IS A SYMBOL OF JOY AND CREATIVE ENERGY: MINISTER ARUN SHANKAR PRASAD

13-FEB-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA--------------------------The Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Bihar, Patna, organized a grand and unprecedented musical dance program on the occasion of Vasant Diwas at the open-air stage of the local Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir.

The program was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Honorable Minister, Department of Arts and Culture, Bihar, Shri Arun Shankar Prasad, by lighting the lamp. The special guest on this occasion was Pranav Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Arts and Culture, Bihar.

Addressing the program, Honorable Minister Arun Shankar Prasad said, "Today is like a divine confluence. On one hand, we are worshipping Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, and on the other, we are celebrating the birth anniversary of national hero Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Spring provides a platform for our folk traditions where creativity and awareness meet together."

He encouraged artists to take advantage of the Chief Minister's Artist Pension Scheme and announced that the revived Muktakash Manch would become the largest center for art in the future.

Secretary Mr. Pranav Kumar shared emotional moments from the program, saying that the renovation of the Muktakash Manch was a resolution, which has been realized today with the Minister's support. He called on art lovers to cherish their glorious heritage.

Director of Cultural Affairs Mrs. Ruby, while extending her best wishes for the Spring Festival and Saraswati Puja, said that this day symbolizes new life and new creation. This open-air stage will provide artists with a unique opportunity to showcase their talent and will prove to be a milestone in the interests of art and artists.

Ms. Kahkashan, Administrative Officer of the Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir, warmly welcomed the Honorable Minister, the Departmental Secretary, the Director of the Cultural Affairs Directorate, the Joint Secretary of the Department, the officials present, artists, NCC, NSS, Scout-Guide students, and art lovers. He expressed his immense joy in dedicating this open-air stage to art lovers again after almost a decade, a feat made possible by the able guidance of the Honorable Minister and the Departmental Secretary.

The Vasantotsav began with a fusion dance performance by renowned artist Devesh Mirdani from Mumbai. His presentation showcased a blend of tradition and modernity that captivated the audience. While songs by renowned Patna singer Alok Choubey infused the atmosphere with a spiritual sweetness, "Phoolon Ki Holi" and "Mayur Nritya" performed by artists from the North Central Zone Cultural Center (Prayagraj) brought the Braj festival to life on stage, offering a glimpse into the splendor of Braj.

The occasion saw the presence of many prominent artists, music lovers, professors, and doctors, who unanimously praised the program organized by the Department of Arts and Culture.

It goes without saying that these cultural performances captivated the audience. The entire auditorium was filled with cultural consciousness and creative energy.

Overall, this Vasantotsav program was not only about welcoming the king of seasons, spring, but also about introducing the revived glorious tradition of art, which will be considered an achievement of the Art and Culture Department of the Government of Bihar - it would not be an exaggeration to say so.