Artists Have the Power to Enhance the ‘Happiness Index’ of the World – Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar

Mumbai : The ‘Human Development Index’ is typically calculated based on economic potential and progress in various sectors globally. However, concerns and challenges remain. Therefore, the focus is now shifting towards the ‘Happiness Index,’ and only artists have the power to enhance this index, said Honorable Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar at the State Cultural Award Ceremony.

At the event, prestigious awards such as the Gyanoba Tukaram Award, the Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi Classical Music Lifetime Achievement Award, the Natvarya Prabhakar Panashikar Theater Lifetime Achievement Award, the Sangeetcharya Annasaheb Kirloskar Music Theater Lifetime Achievement Award, the Tamashasmaragyni Withabai Narayangaonkar Lifetime Achievement Award, and the State Cultural Awards were presented at Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan. Minister Mungantiwar spoke at the ceremony, joined by Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department, Vikas Kharge, Director of Cultural Affairs Vibhishan Chavere, and Swati Mhse Patil, Managing Director of Goregaon Chitranagari.

Minister Mungantiwar praised artists for their enduring contributions, stating that they have brought the rich culture of Maharashtra to the world. He emphasized that recognizing exceptional talent is a tradition, and Maharashtra is culturally rich because of the big-hearted appreciation for artistic contributions. He added that this event serves as a gesture of acknowledgment and gratitude for the outstanding work of individuals in the cultural field.

Maharashtra has a vibrant legacy of arts, including acting, writing, kirtan, discourse, dance, and directing. The state government is committed to supporting senior artists who have dedicated their lives to their craft, with the honorarium for veteran artists now increased to five thousand rupees.

Minister Mungantiwar also announced plans to build 75 Chitra Natya temples across the state. In addition, changes are underway at the Rabindra Natya Mandir in Mumbai, and film shooting permissions in the state will now be processed through a single-window system. He also stated that the government is working on expanding children’s theater, welcoming suggestions for its development.

Principal Secretary Vikas Kharge added that this event honors those who preserve and promote Maharashtra’s art and culture. The Department of Cultural Affairs is working to provide full support to artists, with prize money for cultural awards being doubled and tripled.

During the event, Minister Mungantiwar felicitated various award recipients with medals, certificates, and cash prizes.

The 2024 Gyanoba Tukaram Award was presented to Bh. W. Sanjay Maharaj Pachpore, while the Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi Classical Music Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Aarti Anklekar. Other recipients included senior theater artist Prakash Budhisagar (Natvarya Prabhakar Panashikar Theater Lifetime Achievement Award), Shubhada Dadarkar (Annasaheb Kirloskar Music Theater Lifetime Achievement Award), and Sasikala Zumbar Sukre (Tamasha Samragyi Withabai Narayangaonkar Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023). The 2024 award went to Janardhan Waydande.

State Cultural Awards were also presented to notable personalities, including Vishakha Subhedar (Drama), Dr. Vikas Kashalkar (Ecclesiastical Music), Abhimanyu Dharmaji Savdekar (Folk Art), Shahir Rajendra Kamble (Poetry), Sonia Parchure (Dance), and others.

Cultural performances were showcased during the ceremony by Ajit Parab, Sanjyoti Jagdale, Ketaki Bhave – Joshi, Arun Kadam, Shyam Rajput, Bhargavi Chiramule, and Vikas Patil, among others. The program was introduced by Cultural Work Director Mr. Chavare.