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Bid to protect, popularise folk art forms

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, June 14 � As part of its efforts to preserve, popularize and expand traditional art forms and indigenous knowledge, the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of India, has tied up with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

�We have tied up with IGNOU to expand the reach of the diverse traditional art and craft forms of the eight north-eastern States. Under the arrangements, there would be certification courses for a number of art forms � many of them are vanishing � where gurus selected by us will provide training to the learners,� Som Kamei, Director, NEZCC told The Assam Tribune.

Kamei said that NEZCC was the first zonal centre of the country to implement the project, and that other centres would later replicate the endeavour.

Prof Debjani Roy of IGNOU said that the certification course would not be in the line of a formal written course, and would consist mainly of illustrations, demonstrations and interviews.

�Many of the traditionally practised art forms of the region that had been handed down from generation to generation are increasingly under the threat of disappearance. This joint endeavour of IGNOU and NEZCC should help preserve and expand these beautiful art forms,� she said.

Meanwhile, the NEZCC has chalked out an elaborate action plan to make its campus at Shilpgram, Panjabari, a hub of art and cultural activities showcasing the unique traditions of the North-east.

�We want to make it a vibrant cultural hub on the lines of Dilli Haat of Delhi which will play host to a wide range of activities including art exhibitions, cultural presentations, festivals, etc.,� Kamei said.

From July 1 onwards, the NEZCC will witness a number of programmes, including regular weekend shows on diverse topics. �Our plans include theme-wise festival and ethnic cuisine fairs, children camps, and workshops and trainings for artisans, dramas and plays, and dances and music, among others. We have also tied up with ICCAR for the purpose of holding different cultural shows,� Kamei said.

Kamei said that the NEZCC could emerge as a major tourist destination if the immense potential offered by the multi-cultural mosaic of the North-east were adequately tapped.

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