Lok Sabha Question No. 108 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Promotion of  Regional Languages
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri E T Mohammed Basheer

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NUMBER 108 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024

## PROMOTION OF REGIONAL LANGUAGES

## 229. SHRI E T MOHAMMED BASHEER:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the specific initiatives that are in place to support and promote regional languages, traditional art forms, and performing arts that are at risk of extinction; and
- (b) the details of the Plan of action of the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE&TOURISM

## (GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a)&(b): TheMinistry  of  Culture  is committed  to  the  preservation,  conservation  and promotion  of  India's  rich  cultural  heritage,  including  regional  languages,  traditional  art forms, and performing arts that are at risk of extinction. Through its autonomous bodies and Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs), several targeted initiatives are carried out by the ministry.

Sahitya Akademi (SA)works for the promotion of literature in24 recognized languages and various unrecognized and tribal languages by organizing language conventions and awarding the  Bhasha  Samman  to  scholars  for  their  contributions  to  unrecognized  languages  like Haryanvi,  Koshali-Sambalpuri,  Paite,  Magahi,  Tulu,  Kurukh,  Ladakhi,  Halbi,  Saurashtra, Kumauni,  Bhili,  Warli,  Banjara/Lambadi,  Khasi,  Mising,  Kodava,  Chakma,  Rajbanshi, Awadhi, Bundeli, Garhwali, Kachchhi, Himachal, Ao, Karbi, Angami, Gondi, Ho, Chhattisgarhi,Gojri,  Bhojpuri,  Ahirani,  Lepcha,  Mundari,  Garo,  Bhili,  Kui,  Khasi,  Mizo, Pahari, Kokborok.

Sangeet  Natak  Akademi  (SNA)  and  Lalit  Kala  Akademi  (LKA)  undertake  initiatives  to preserve endangered performing arts and visual arts, respectively, by organizing workshops, exhibitions, and residencies, and creating platforms like Museum of Performing Arts and the PARI project to showcase regional art and talent. Several other initiatives like Kala Deeksha, Kala  Dharohar,  Museum  of  Performing  Arts,  Kala  Pravah  (Temple  Festival  Series), Jyotirgamaya, camps for puppetry, Dokra Casting, Mask Making, Rangoli Workshop, Tribal art conclave, have been undertaken by these autonomous bodies for the preservation of the dying and rare performing art forms across the country.

Indira  Gandhi  National  Centre for  the  Arts  (IGNCA)  focuses  on  documenting  endangered languages  and  art  forms  through  films,  texts,  digital  archives,  and  workshops.  National Mission on Manuscripts undertakes the works of conserving manuscripts to tap into the vast potential  of  Indian  Knowledge  Systems  (IKS)  and  to  make  rare  manuscripts  accessible  to scholars, researchers, and the general public.

Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) play a pivotal role in reviving rare and vanishing art forms through schemes like Guru-Shishya Parampara, which trains disciples under eminent Gurus, and the Young Talented Artists Award to encourage young talents. Other notable initiatives include Theatre Rejuvenation, which supports stage shows and workshops, Shilpgram, which promotes  rural  crafts  and  organizes  fairs,  and  National  Cultural  Exchange  Programme (NCEP), which fosters cross-cultural understanding.

The Ministry's plan of action includes sustained documentation of endangered art forms and languages, expanding digital archives for research, and ensuring intergenerational transmission  through  training  programs  like  Guru-Shishya  Parampara.  It  is  envisaged  to organize cultural festivals,  exhibitions,  and  exchange  programs  across  the country  through public-private collaborations, and state-level partnerships to enhance awareness and appreciation of India's diverse heritage with a view to safeguard the country's cultural legacy for future generations. Honouring artists and scholars with awards like Bhasha Samman and promoting North-East cultural heritage through initiatives like Octave are among the integral parts of the Ministry's strategy.

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