By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha inaugurated the website for Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Lalit Kala Academy, all under the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, on Friday. Additional Chief Secretary of the Art, Culture and Youth Department, Harjot Kaur, also attended the event held at Vikas Bhavan in Patna.
Speaking to journalists after the inauguration, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha stated that the newly launched website will facilitate online hall bookings, enrollments in art schools, and communication services. He emphasized the department’s commitment to prioritizing art and culture by implementing various schemes aimed at the welfare and prosperity of youth and artists. These initiatives include the creation of a state film policy, organizing film festivals, cultural competitions, and other programs.
Sinha highlighted the significance of youth in today’s India, noting that approximately two-thirds of the population is young and their priorities are of utmost importance. He affirmed the department’s dedication to promoting Bihar’s heritage, art, and culture among its people. With plans for additional film festivals in the future, the department is supporting the upcoming Patna Cinefest 2024 as one such event. Additionally, students interested in studying dance, music, and performing arts can now apply for online admission through the Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir’s website.
Addressing concerns about the shortage of teachers at Nritya Kala Mandir, Sinha acknowledged that the recent elections had delayed recruitment efforts. He assured that there are currently more than half a dozen teachers and that admissions, which had been suspended, would now resume with the launch of the portal. The department is prepared to support students in continuing their cultural heritage, and teacher recruitment will be prioritized as soon as possible.
The author is a Patna based journalist
