Governor Mangubhai Patel:Governor Launches the Republic Day Celebration “Lokrang”
Governor Mangubhai Patel emphasized that the cultural heritage of our state is deeply ingrained and has been preserved through generations. He stressed the shared responsibility of both the people and the system to collaborate in preserving and promoting folk culture and arts. Governor Mangubhai Patel made these remarks during the Lokrang program, where he also conveyed his warm Republic Day wishes to all.
Governor Mangubhai Patel felicitated prominent litterateurs with national awards during a ceremony at Ravindra Bhavan. Awards were also presented to the winners of various categories from the Republic Day main event. The occasion featured the launch of a website and books from the dictionary of nomadic tribes, developed by the Culture Department. Moreover, an exhibition showcasing rare musical instruments was inaugurated. Governor Patel praised the Culture Department for organizing programs that highlight the rich diversity of tribal and folk art.
Governor Mangubhai Patel emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the state government is dedicated to nurturing a spiritual and cultural renaissance in this era of cultural growth. He praised the state government for preserving the richness of our heritage, involving the youth and future generations, and offering a platform for the talents from tribal and rural areas to showcase their abilities in cultural events. Governor Patel also highlighted the successful hosting of major events, including the Golden Jubilee of the International Khajuraho Dance Festival, the Centenary Year of the Tansen Festival, and Guinness World Record achievements in Taal Darbar, Kathak Kumbh, Ujjain Damru Vadan, Gita Paath, and Classical Band performances.
Governor Mangubhai Patel emphasized that the beliefs, moral values, and life philosophies inherent in our rich folk traditions are a priceless heritage, embodying the continuity of our centuries-old cultural legacy. He noted that cultural events act as a bridge to transmit the various forms and aspects of art and culture across generations. These events strengthen national unity and promote nationalism by showcasing the emotional harmony within our cultural diversity. Governor Patel encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from the unyielding courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of tribal freedom fighters who safeguarded their culture, urging them to commit themselves to building a prosperous and developed India.
Bestowed with National Recognition
Governor Mangubhai Patel honored distinguished individuals with shawls, Shrifal, and citations for their exceptional contributions in the fields of literature, art, and culture. He presented the National Mahatma Gandhi Award for 2022 to Vivekananda Needam Sanstha, Gwalior, and for 2023 to Bharat Bharati Shiksha Samiti, Betul. The National Kabir Award for 2022 was conferred on Shri Ramdarsh Mishra and for 2023 to Shri Liladhar Jagudi. The National Maithilisharan Gupti Award for 2022 was awarded to Dr. Devendra Deepak and for 2023 to Ms. Neerja Madhav. The National Devi Ahilya Bai Award for 2022 went to Smt. Hemlata Upadhyaya and for 2023 to Smt. Geeta Tyagi. The National Sharad Joshi Award for 2022 was presented to Shri Kailash Chandra Pant and for 2023 to Dr. Prabhat Kumar Bhattacharya. The National Tulsi Award for 2022 was given to Shri Raghavraj Bhatt and for 2023 to Shri Dinesh Chandra Kumhar. Lastly, the National Nanaji Deshmukh Award for 2022 was awarded to Matrichhaya Sanstha, Bhopal, and for 2023 to Sopanam Institute of Performing Arts and Research, Thiruvananthapuram.
Republic Day Celebration Winners Awarded
Governor Mangubhai Patel presented awards for various categories at the Republic Day parade. In the military contingent category, the Central Industrial Security Force won first place, the Special Task Force secured second, and the Central Reserve Police Force took third. In the civilian contingent, the first prize went to ex-servicemen, second to NCC Senior Boys, and third to NCC Senior Girls. In school presentations, the first prize was awarded to Government PM Shri Maharani Laxmibai Kanya Uchchatar Madhyamik Vidyalaya BHEL, Government Naveen Uchchatar Madhyamik Vidyalaya Misrod, Government Subhash Utkrisht Uchchatar Madhyamik Vidyalaya Shivaji Nagar, and Government CM Rise Mahatma Gandhi Uchchatar Madhyamik Vidyalaya Barkheda, second to non-government Hema Higher Secondary School Govindpura Bhopal, and third to non-government St. Paul Co-Ed Higher Secondary School Anand Nagar Bhopal. In the folk dance category, the first prize was given to Gadli-Thapati folk dance of Korku tribe, and second to Thatya folk dance of Gond tribe. In the tableaux category, first place was awarded to Raja Bhoj Division Maharaja Vikramaditya Shodhpeeth of the Culture Department, second to the Forest Department, and third to the Tribal Affairs Department.
Governor Mangubhai Patel was warmly welcomed with a bouquet at the event. Principal Secretary of the Culture Department, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, provided insights into the various Lokrang events and shared details of the state government’s initiatives to preserve, promote, and support folk art, culture, and artists. Director of the Culture Department, Shri L.P. Namdev, along with folk artists, dignitaries, and a large audience, attended the ceremony.