CM calls for promotion of art, culture of different states in Delhi

Emphasizing the importance of promoting the art and culture of various states across the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Department of Art, Culture and Languages can play a vital role in this endeavour by broadening the scope of its programmes and activities.

She said efforts would be made to explore possibilities of teaching non-Hindi languages to children in the national capital,  enabling them to understand the social and cultural identities of other states as well.

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Rekha Gupta also proposed the launching of a “Student Exchange Programme” with students from other states. This, she said, would give children an opportunity to learn about different cultures and lifestyles, and help foster mutual understanding and harmony, and strengthen nation’s unity in diversity.

Gupta also directed concerned  officials of the department  to ensure that regional festivals celebrated in Delhi include artists from the respective states, as this would help generate greater public interest in these events.

She said the department should take its initiatives beyond designated locations and bring them to the general public to enhance public participation.

Gupta had recently chaired a special meeting with the Department of Art, Culture and Languages with an aim to enrich Delhi’s cultural landscape and to involve all sections of society in cultural activities.

She noted that while the department has long promoted Delhi’s cultural heritage, it’s time now to expand its reach.

She stressed the need to organised events, such as women’s art exhibitions, artist camps, music and dance festivals, theatre performances, and religious celebrations like Chhath Puja and Durga Puja, across the city to increase public participation.

Highlighting Delhi’s diverse population, she emphasised the growing celebration of regional festivals and directed officials to involve artists from different states in these events. “Delhi is not merely the capital city but also a reflection of the country’s cultural identity,” she said.

The CM further said, “We want the art and culture of various states to reach every street and for every individual to feel connected to it.”

She added that theatre and folk arts are powerful tools for spreading awareness and information, often more effectively than other forms of communication.

The CM acknowledged that in addition to maintaining monuments of national importance, the department is also preserving around 75 lesser-known heritage sites. These include Malcha Mahal, Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal, Ghalib Ki Haveli, Dwarka Baoli, Kuli Khan’s Tomb, Bara Lao Ka Gumbad, Baradari, and the Dara Shikoh Library.