New Delhi: The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India launched the national level Kala Utsav in the year 2015, to promote arts in education, by nurturing and showcasing the artistic talent of school students, in the country. The Ministry recognises the importance of aesthetics and artistic experiences for secondary-level students, which plays a major role in creating awareness about India’s rich cultural heritage and its vibrant diversity in the context of education of Arts (Music, Theatre, Dance, Visual Arts and Crafts). Recently, national level Kala Utsav 2018 was organized in Delhi from 12th -15th December, 2018, in which 281 students participated from 34 States/UTs, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas.
National level Kala Utsav 2015, on the theme ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ was held from 8th – 11th December 2015 in Delhi in which 1331 Students from all 36 States/UTs participated. National level Kala Utsav, 2016 was held from 15th -18th November 2016, in Delhi in which 1529 students from 35 States/UTs, KVS and NVS participated. The National level Kala Utsav 2017 was held from 2nd -6th January, 2018 at Regional Institute of Education, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on the theme of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” in which 1073 students from 34 States/UTs, KVS and NVS participated.
During Kala Utsav 2015 to 2017, group competitions were held in four art forms: Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Crafts) where each State/UT sent one team for each form of art. However, during 2018, solo competitions were held in four art forms: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Dance, Painting, where each State/UT had to send two entries i.e. one male and one female student in each art form, in order to identify and showcase individual talent.
Arts integration in education helps to encourage creativity, develop problem solving ability and improve the ability to handle mental imagery for better expression. Kala Utsav has been structured as an art festival to include performances and display of exhibits. The design of Kala Utsav helps students explore, understand and showcase their artistic talent by practicing different art forms. This event gives students the opportunity to understand and celebrate cultural diversity at the school, district, state and national levels. It creates awareness about India’s cultural heritage and its vibrant diversity among students and other stakeholders. Kala Utsav helps in enhancing the various skills of the participants and prepares them as ambassadors of our culture. Kala Utsav is also an effort to mainstream students with special needs (differently-abled and from diverse socio-economic backgrounds) and celebrating their abilities.
This information was given by the Minister of State (HRD), Dr. Satya Pal Singh today in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.
