Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Governor and Chancellor Ramen Deka addresses the 70th Foundation Day celebrations of Indira Kala Sangeet University in Khairagarh on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The Governor urged students and artists to use digital media to take Chhattisgarh’s rich folk traditions, including Pandwani, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Sua and Karma, to international audiences while emphasising dedication, continuous practice and the preservation of cultural heritage. Photo:channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Addressing the 70th Foundation Day celebrations of Khairagarh’s Indira Kala Sangeet University, Governor emphasises cultural preservation, artistic excellence, digital outreach and transforming creative talent into sustainable livelihoods
Key Highlights
- Governor Ramen Deka urges students and artists to showcase Chhattisgarh’s traditional art forms internationally through digital platforms.
- Pandwani, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Sua, Karma and Bastar’s tribal dances highlighted as invaluable cultural treasures.
- Governor pays tribute to Raja Virendra Bahadur Singh and Rani Padmavati for their historic contribution to establishing the university.
- Students encouraged to pursue artistic excellence through patience, disciplined practice and dedication.
- Rajnandgaon MP Santosh Pandey describes the royal family’s contribution as exemplary.
- Vice-Chancellor Dr Lovely Sharma welcomes dignitaries at the university’s 70th Foundation Day celebrations.
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Governor and Chancellor of Indira Kala Sangeet University, Ramen Deka, has called upon artists, students and cultural institutions to harness the power of digital technology to introduce the state’s extraordinary folk traditions to audiences across India and the world. Addressing the 70th Foundation Day celebrations of Indira Kala Sangeet University at Khairagarh on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Governor emphasised that Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity, rooted in centuries-old traditions of music, dance and artistic expression, must be preserved while embracing the opportunities offered by modern communication technologies.
Governor Calls for Global Recognition of Chhattisgarh’s Folk Heritage
Governor Deka highlighted the remarkable diversity of Chhattisgarh’s traditional performing arts, describing the state’s cultural inheritance as a priceless legacy deserving international recognition.
Referring to Pandwani, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Sua dance, Karma and the distinctive tribal dance traditions of Bastar, he stressed that modern digital platforms could play a transformative role in preserving and promoting these artistic expressions.
Emphasising the importance of making regional traditions accessible to wider audiences, Governor Deka said:
Students, faculty members and distinguished guests attend the 70th Foundation Day celebrations of Indira Kala Sangeet University in Khairagarh on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The programme highlighted the institution’s seven decades of contribution to music, fine arts, dance and cultural education, with Governor Ramen Deka encouraging the younger generation to preserve traditional artistic excellence while embracing modern opportunities. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
“Chhattisgarh possesses an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage. Our traditional art forms, including Pandwani, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Sua, Karma and the tribal dances of Bastar, should reach every corner of India and the world through mobile technology, the internet and digital media.”
The Governor’s message underscored the growing relevance of digital documentation, online cultural presentations and modern communication channels in ensuring that traditional art forms continue to flourish among younger generations.
His observations also highlighted the opportunity for artists from smaller towns and rural communities to reach national and international audiences without being restricted by geographical boundaries.
Seventy Years of Artistic Excellence and Cultural Commitment
Congratulating the university on completing seven decades of its institutional journey, Governor Deka attributed its achievements to the collective dedication of students, teachers, administrative personnel and successive generations of artists.
The university, established in memory of Princess Indira Singh, has emerged as an important centre for education and training in music, dance, fine arts and related creative disciplines.
Reflecting on its journey, the Governor observed:
“The university’s glorious journey of seventy years is the result of the collective contribution, commitment and dedication of its students, teachers and employees. Every individual associated with this institution has played a part in strengthening its distinguished artistic and educational traditions.”
He encouraged the university community to carry forward this legacy while responding to the changing needs of contemporary artistic education.
Governor Pays Tribute to the Royal Family’s Historic Contribution
A significant part of the Governor’s address was devoted to remembering the visionary contribution of Raja Virendra Bahadur Singh and Rani Padmavati.
The royal couple’s decision to support the establishment of a university in memory of their daughter, Princess Indira Singh, laid the foundation for an institution that would eventually become closely associated with Khairagarh’s cultural and educational identity.
Governor Deka acknowledged the historical importance of their contribution and its continuing influence on generations of students and artists.
The university’s foundation remains an example of how philanthropy, cultural commitment and educational vision can create institutions of lasting public value.
Music Brings Peace, Art Preserves the History of Society
Explaining the wider importance of artistic education, Governor Deka observed that music, dance, painting and sculpture fulfil purposes extending far beyond entertainment.
Music, he explained, contributes to mental peace and emotional well-being, while other artistic disciplines preserve the experiences, beliefs and cultural identity of society.
He conveyed the essence of this relationship through a significant observation:
“Music provides mental peace to human beings, while dance, painting and sculpture express the history, traditions and culture of society. Art is not merely a form of expression; it is also a medium through which generations remain connected with their cultural roots.”
His remarks placed artistic education within the broader framework of social development, cultural continuity and individual growth.
Talent Alone Is Not Enough: Patience, Practice and Dedication Essential
Addressing students aspiring to build successful careers in music and the arts, Governor Deka stressed the importance of perseverance and disciplined learning.
He emphasised that natural talent must be strengthened through regular practice, patience and sustained commitment.
“Talent alone cannot guarantee success in the field of art. Patience, continuous practice and complete dedication are equally essential. Students must remain committed to their chosen disciplines and continue refining their abilities through hard work.”
The Governor also encouraged students to explore the economic possibilities associated with creative professions.
He highlighted the need to connect artistic skills with livelihood opportunities, suggesting that cultural education should empower young people not only as performers and creators but also as self-reliant professionals.
Art Must Become a Source of Livelihood and Enterprise
The Governor’s emphasis on linking artistic excellence with economic opportunities introduced an important dimension to the celebrations.
In an era when digital media, cultural tourism, creative industries and online learning platforms are expanding opportunities for artists, traditional skills can increasingly become the foundation of sustainable professional careers.
The development of cultural enterprises, digital performances, artistic collaborations and professional training programmes can help bridge the gap between artistic education and employment.
For institutions such as Indira Kala Sangeet University, this creates opportunities to combine traditional learning with contemporary professional skills while preserving the authenticity of India’s artistic heritage.
MP Santosh Pandey Describes Royal Family’s Contribution as Exemplary
Rajnandgaon Member of Parliament Santosh Pandey praised the historical contribution of Raja Virendra Bahadur Singh and Rani Padmavati, describing their generosity and commitment to education as extraordinary.
He observed that donating valuable land and resources for educational development requires remarkable foresight and public spirit.
According to Pandey, the royal family’s vision transformed Khairagarh into a recognised centre of artistic education and contributed significantly to its national and international reputation.
He encouraged students to combine education, artistic skills and hard work with a strong sense of responsibility towards the nation.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Lovely Sharma Welcomes Dignitaries
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Vice-Chancellor Dr Lovely Sharma, who greeted Governor Deka and other distinguished guests attending the celebrations.
The gathering reflected the university’s continuing importance as an institution dedicated to preserving India’s cultural traditions while encouraging contemporary artistic expression.
Members of the erstwhile royal family, including Princess Shatakshi Singh, attended the programme.
Also present were MP representative Bhagwat Sharan Singh, officiating Registrar R. Venkat Raman Gude, district administration officials, public representatives, faculty members, students and other distinguished guests.
Digital Innovation Can Give Traditional Artists a Global Platform
Governor Deka’s message carries wider significance for Chhattisgarh, where folk traditions remain deeply connected with community life, festivals, religious practices and regional identity.
Digital communication offers new opportunities to document performances, preserve traditional knowledge and introduce indigenous artistic expressions to audiences unfamiliar with their cultural origins.
Universities and cultural institutions can contribute to this process through audiovisual archives, digital exhibitions, research documentation and educational outreach.
Such initiatives could also help younger generations appreciate the richness of their own cultural heritage while opening new avenues for artistic collaboration.
The Governor’s address reinforced an important principle: preserving tradition and embracing technology need not be competing objectives. Together, they can strengthen cultural identity and expand opportunities for future generations.
As Indira Kala Sangeet University marks seventy years of its journey, the occasion serves as a reminder that the true strength of an artistic institution lies not only in preserving the achievements of the past but also in preparing its students to carry those traditions confidently into the future.
