Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday proposed a 'One District, One Art' initiative to promote traditional art forms, create livelihood opportunities for artists and preserve the state’s cultural heritage, the Press Trust of India reported.The proposed initiative would be modelled on the state’s One District, One Product (ODOP) and One District, One Cuisine programmes. Adityanath urged cultural academies to jointly identify the distinctive art forms of each district and provide artists with regular platforms to showcase their talent.Addressing a programme in Lucknow to mark the 63rd foundation day of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, the chief minister said, "Therefore, just as we have implemented One District, One Product and One District, One Cuisine, can we also take forward the One District, One Art initiative on a priority basis?"Referring to the potential of the One District, One Cuisine programme, he said, "Nestle, the world’s largest food products supply company, has an annual turnover equivalent to the budget of the Uttar Pradesh government.
If a food supply company in the world can achieve such a huge turnover, why can’t we achieve similar potential through One District, One Cuisine?" Adityanath also spoke about the role of Indian traditional music. "If we look at the world of art, classical music may attract people immediately. But when someone seeks mental peace and wishes to connect with the deeper essence of spiritual practice, Indian music, particularly our traditional music, can become the medium," he said.According to PTI, the chief minister suggested that artists should be encouraged to gather at suitable public places and perform at least once a week, if not daily.
He said the Culture Department should support such initiatives and ensure that performances are held at places with adequate space without disrupting traffic.He said the aim should not be limited to preserving disappearing art forms. They should also be made sustainable so that they can provide livelihood, identity and pride to future generations.Citing the success of ODOP, Adityanath said the initiative had helped Uttar Pradesh’s exports cross Rs 2 lakh crore and created employment opportunities for lakhs of young people, artisans and handicraft workers.He said a similar approach could unlock the potential of traditional music, theatre, folk performances and other art forms across the state.The chief minister urged young performers to use technology, digital media and artificial intelligence to experiment and take their talent to a global audience.
However, he cautioned them against losing touch with their cultural roots, traditional folk music and the teachings of their gurus."Use all these mediums, experiment and take your talent before the world, but never forget the fragrance of your soil, your folk tunes, your guru’s teachings and your cultural roots," he said.Adityanath said several folk art forms, traditional musical instruments and cultural traditions had remained neglected even after Independence, with many gradually losing their identity because of inadequate encouragement and a lack of platforms.He said the disappearance of a folk tune or traditional instrument also meant losing the collective memories and experiences of generations associated with it.Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s cultural heritage, he referred to Raslila and kirtan in the Braj region, Ramlila in Awadh, Birha, Kajri and Sohar in Purvanchal, and Alha and Rai in Bundelkhand.He also highlighted the contribution of the traditional musical styles and gharanas of Lucknow, Banaras, Agra, Kairana, Etawah and Rampur-Sahaswan to Indian classical music.Adityanath said the government was working to honour senior artists, protect folk traditions and provide opportunities to emerging talent. He also appreciated a presentation by young performers using endangered traditional musical instruments at the programme.The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Chairman Jayant Khot, Uttar Pradesh government adviser Avanish Awasthi and Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism and Culture Amrit Abhijat, among others.The proposed One District, One Art initiative seeks to identify and promote district-specific art forms while giving artists regular performance opportunities and helping traditional arts become sustainable sources of livelihood.- Ends