CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The four-day National Art Festival 2024-25, organized by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, concluded at the Kala Mandapam of the Regional Institute of Education, Bhopal. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, and the Guest of Honor, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy.

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this art festival was launched in 2015 with the aim of promoting traditional arts, culture, and crafts among children and integrating arts into the school curriculum.

Participants Showcase Magical Art

This year’s festival witnessed participation from 35 teams representing 25 states and 7 union territories. For the first time, teams from Eklavya Model Residential Schools and the Traditional Storytelling category were included. A total of 529 participants mesmerized the audience with stunning performances in music, dance, theater, and visual arts.

Address by the Chief Guest

Governor Mangubhai Patel remarked that the art festival is a celebration of participation rather than competition. Encouraging the children, he stated that art is a symbol of unity in diversity and a pathway to realizing the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’

NCERT’s Contribution

NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani shared that art education has now become a mandatory part of the curriculum from Class 3 onwards. He encouraged children to share their experiences, promising to reward the best entries.

Special Performances and Honors

The event featured vibrant performances by the participants. Eminent artists on the jury were honored with traditional shawls. A short film showcasing highlights of the four-day festival was also screened.

Final Message

Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education, emphasized that art is a medium that connects society and will play a significant role in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.

This festival, strengthening the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ proved to be an inspiring initiative to instill art and culture in the new generation.

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