 Early Times Report
SHIMLA, June 27: Renowned theatre personality, cultural visionary, and former cultural diplomat of India, Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, called on the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, today at the historic Raj Bhawan, Shimla. This significant meeting formed a part of Thakur's ongoing cultural outreach in Himachal Pradesh aimed at building new constituencies for theatre, arts, and creative collaboration.
Balwant Thakur, currently touring Himachal Pradesh, is on a purposeful mission to revitalize the cultural ecosystem of the region. His engagements include dialogues with artists, cultural practitioners, educational institutions, and administrative authorities. The crux of his mission is to forge sustainable cultural exchanges and professional collaborations, thereby transforming the local arts landscape into a vibrant, future-ready space for creative excellence.
During the detailed discussion with the Hon'ble Governor, Thakur presented a visionary roadmap for cultural development, shaped by his decades-long experience in Indian and global arts. Having worked intensively in Himachal Pradesh in the past, particularly in theatre and traditional folk performances, Thakur stressed that Himachal's cultural legacy needs a renewed strategic direction.
He observed that while the region is culturally rich-with a vibrant talent pool and deep-rooted traditions-it has remained relatively underexposed on national and international platforms. "The need of the hour," he emphasized, "is to enable Himachali artists to step into larger creative circuits, while simultaneously facilitating the entry of distinguished productions and cultural icons into Himachal's cultural domain." According to Thakur, such dual engagement would not only inspire local practitioners to raise their benchmarks but would also integrate Himachal more closely into the national cultural framework.
A strong advocate for cultural tourism, Balwant Thakur highlighted the potential of iconic heritage sites like the 138-year-old Gaiety Theatre in Shimla, which he described as a rare architectural and historical treasure. He proposed that with professional theatre production models, marketing strategies, and performance residencies, the Gaiety Theatre could be developed into an international hub for the performing arts, attracting creators, audiences, and tourists alike.
The discussion also touched upon the shared cultural heritage between Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Thakur spoke about the cultural continuity of the Himalayan belt, particularly in terms of folklore, spiritual traditions, transhumant lifestyles, and artistic expressions tied to nature. He cited examples such as the internationally celebrated miniature painting traditions of Jammu and Kangra, and proposed initiatives that can bridge these regions culturally, strengthening bonds through curated festivals, artist residencies, and thematic exhibitions.
A strong proponent of cultural education, Thakur emphasized the critical role of policy in shaping the future of Indian arts. He urged the Himachal Government to expedite the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly its provisions that promote integration of Indian languages, cultural values, and heritage into mainstream education. This, he said, will not only nurture culturally rooted future generations but will also generate new opportunities for local artists and educators.
He also recommended setting up district-level cultural development councils, mobile theatre units, and youth-driven creative festivals in collaboration with educational institutions, which would ensure grassroots engagement with the arts and also create employment avenues through the creative economy.
In concluding the meeting, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla appreciated Balwant Thakur's visionary approach and assured him of all support in exploring pathways that can enrich the cultural fabric of Himachal Pradesh. |
