Mumbai, July 06: President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam today called upon artists to "contribute in a big way to shape India as a developed, peaceful nation". Speaking after presenting the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy Awards-2000 at Nehru Centre here, Kalam said artists had "a tremendous role to play in shaping India as a developed, peaceful nation by help bringing smiles on the faces of millions of people in the country through arts".
"Now also in our second vision for India, exponents in various fields should contribute in a big way through work with the realisation that how important was a peaceful India," he said. Speaking on the occasion, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan said his ministry will create cultural hubs to encourage young talents below 30 years and to preserve Indian art, at various historical monuments including Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, Ajanta in Maharashtra and Red Fort in Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, Jagmohan said his ministry would hold the annual functions at different places in the country and the next one will be in Kolkata and then in Chennai. Twenty-seven artists were given awards by the President. Each award and fellowship carried a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a citation and a shawl.
In his welcome address, academy chairman Dr Bhupen Hazarika said the award function, which also coincided with the 50th investiture ceremony of the academy, was organised for the first time outside Delhi.
Maharashtra Governor Mohd Fazal and Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal also spoke on the occasion. Bureau Report