Lok Sabha Question No. 960 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-02
Subject: Promotion of Punjabi Culture
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Gurjeet Singh Aujla

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 960

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.12.2024

## PROMOTION OF PUNJABI CULTURE

## 960. SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the current programmes and initiatives being undertaken by the Government to promote Punjabi Culture in other States of the country;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  organize  an  inter-State  cultural  exchange programmes, if so, the details thereof and the methods to be used for these initiatives; and
- (c)   the details of the allocated budget for promoting Punjabi Culture in the current fiscal year?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM

## (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)&(b) The  Ministry  of  Culture,  through  its  autonomous  bodies,  is  undertaking  various initiatives to promote Punjabi Culture as follows-:

Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) under the "Festival, Workshop & Exhibition" scheme, organized 'Deshaj' - a festival of folk and tribal performing arts - in collaboration with the District Heritage Society in Dinanagar, Punjab. Sangeet Natak Akademi also invites Punjabi artists to perform in festivals across the country to promote Punjabi Culture.

Sahitya Akademi (SA) publishes numerous books in various genres, and awards literary works  in  24  languages  including  Punjabi,  and  organizes  literary  programs  that  are broadcast  live  on  its  website,  YouTube,  and  social  media.  Additionally,  the  Sahitya Akademi Library serves as an invaluable resource, boasting an extensive collection of Punjabi literature.

Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) implement the National Cultural Exchange Programme (NCEP), organizing various festivals, exhibitions, and  yatras in member states. Artists from  different  Zones  and  States  are  invited  to  participate,  while  Zonal  Centres  also facilitate the participation of their artists in festivals across the country. The North Zonal Cultural Centre (NZCC) has been instrumental in organizing several renowned cultural events  under  this  scheme.  These  include  the  Kurukshetra  Utsav  in  Haryana,  Minzar Mela  in  Himachal  Pradesh,  Shravani  Mela  in  Uttarakhand,  Kinnaur  Mahotsav  in Himachal  Pradesh,  Virasat Mela  in  Punjab, Surajkund  Crafts  Mela  in  Haryana, Chandigarh Carnival, Rose Festival in Chandigarh, and Lokrang Festival in Rajasthan etc.

The  Ministry  of  Culture  has  also  undertaken  several  initiatives  to  commemorate historical figures, including the celebration of the 400th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on April 20-21, 2022 at Red Fort, New Delhi and observance of Veer Bal Diwas on December 26, 2022 at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium Delhi, honouring the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

- (c) The North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) covers several states, including Punjab. For the current financial year, a budget of Rs. 10.72 crore has been allocated to NZCC, Patiala, to organize a range of cultural activities and programs across the country.