Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria takes stock of schemes of Cultural Affairs Department

 GUWAHATI: Governor Gulab Chand Kataria held a briefing session with the key officials of the Cultural Affairs Department, in presence of its minister Bimal Borah, at the conference hall of Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah provided the Governor a comprehensive overview of the cultural wealth that distinguishes the State of Assam from others. He underscored the State’s stature as a region replete with cultural diversity, where a multitude of community coexist harmoniously. He drew attention to the historical significance of Assam, particularly the crucial role played by Chaolung Siu-Ka- Pha in unifying disparate communities to form the edifice of Bor Axom.

The minister also highlighted the contributions of both Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and Srimanta Madhavdeb. Their commitment to fostering cultural renaissance served as a cornerstone in shaping the State’s cultural trajectory. He also underscored that the namghars and xatras established in Assam, transcended their roles as mere spiritual centres.

The Principal Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department, Dr. B. Kalyan Chakravarthy gave an all-encompassing presentation informing the multifaceted activities undertaken by the department and its various affiliated organizations. He also provided an overview of the budget utilization of the department over the past three years and outlined the initiatives and events that have been undertaken for the betterment of society.

During the meeting, the Governor inquired about the role played by the Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation Ltd. He sought insights into how this entity supports the film fraternity and facilitates broader exposure of cinema among the masses. The Governor expressed interest in knowing the Corporation’s initiatives to introduce cinema to school students, suggesting that mobile screenings could be a valuable educational tool, bridging the gap between students and the rich cultural heritage. He proposed the responsibilities of District Commissioners to oversee these screenings at the school level.

Chairperson of the Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation, Simanta Shekhar apprised the Governor of the organization’s activities, including the provision of loans, subsidies, grants for various film productions. Moreover, the Principal Secretary presented information about Jyoti Chitraban, the first and only government-owned film studio in the country, which now operates as a government-registered society. He emphasized its significance as the largest audio-visual facility provider in the north-eastern region, highlighting its modern equipment and amenities. The Governor, acknowledging the importance of places like Jyoti Chitraban, recommended arranging visits for students to expose them to its cultural and artistic facilities.

In the discussion on the department’s budget utilization over the past three years, the Governor stressed the importance of increasing the capital expenditure and achieving targets. Besides, the Governor highlighted the cultural richness of the State and the potential it holds in history, culture, and literature. He asked officials to develop the State in a way that allows tourists not only to visit but also to learn about the background of the sites they explore, stated a press release.

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