New Delhi (Agency): In a move that signifies the Rajasthan government’s commitment to cultural preservation, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has sanctioned Rs 16.26 crore for upgrading Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal in Udaipur. This cultural institution is deeply engaged in the study and promotion of folk art, culture, songs, and festivals of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
According to an official statement, the government is keen on taking crucial steps to promote folk arts and support institutions that work towards the preservation of these arts. “The state government is continuously taking important decisions in the interest of promoting folk arts as well as in the interest of the institutions working for the preservation and promotion of these arts,” the statement read.
The financial approval covers various upgrades at the institution, which include setting up a puppet theatre, civil work in the main building, interior enhancements, and elevator construction. Of the total Rs 16.26 crore allocated, Rs 8 crore will come from the City Development Trust, Udaipur, while the remaining Rs 8.26 crore will be funded by the Tourism Development Fund.
This financial boost aims to not only enhance the facilities at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal but also contribute to the wider cause of preserving and promoting the state’s rich folk arts. As the institution is already a cultural ambassador for the regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, this investment is expected to further its reach and impact.
The decision aligns with the government’s broader goals of fostering a culturally rich environment, giving local arts a platform to shine, and attracting tourism. The government believes that investing in cultural heritage is crucial for both educational and economic reasons, and this step is a clear testament to that belief.
In a time when traditional arts often struggle for visibility and support, this financial endorsement from the government serves as a much-needed lifeline. It promises a better future for Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal and lays a foundation for a culturally vibrant Rajasthan.