IGNCA Strengthens Cultural Outreach with the Inauguration of its Tenth Regional Centre in Tirupati

To preserve and promote the culture of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, IGNCA has established its 10th Regional Centre in Tirupati

The Tirupati Regional Centre will be dedicated to the specialised study of Vaishnava Agama and the Indian architectural tradition

Marking a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) inaugurated its tenth Regional Centre in Tirupati in collaboration with the National Sanskrit University, Tirupati. The newly established centre is envisioned as a vibrant hub for research, documentation, and dissemination of Vaishnava Agama, and other architectural traditions of India, while also engaging with the region’s diverse cultural heritage, deeply intertwined with the spiritual and historical essence of Tirupati.  On this auspicious occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri K. Pawan Kalyan, conveyed his best wishes to IGNCA. In his message, he extended heartfelt congratulations to IGNCA on the inauguration of its tenth Regional Centre. The inauguration was graced by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, a distinguished scholar and exponent of Bharatanatyam, as the Chief Guest. Also present were Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, and Prof. G.S.R. Krishna Murthy, Vice Chancellor, National Sanskrit University, Tirupati, whose collaboration accentuates the institution’s commitment to fostering cultural scholarship.

Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, the Chief Guest of the inaugural event, described the new Regional Centre, Tirupati, as the tenth arm of IGNCA. She further stated that the diverse and multifaceted activities of IGNCA’s Regional Centre’s play a crucial role in the decentralisation and efficient management of documentation and research. She emphasised that IGNCA has consistently upheld its mission, vision, and achievements, reinforcing its commitment to the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage.

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, while addressing the gathering, expressed happiness and gratitude on the auspicious occasion of the inauguration of IGNCA’s tenth Regional Centre in the sacred city of Tirupati. He highlighted IGNCA’s role as a premier repository of Indian art and culture, dedicated to the documentation and research of Shastriya traditions, folk and tribal art forms, manuscripts, visual arts, and other cultural expressions. He described the inauguration of the Tirupati Regional Centre as a significant milestone in this endeavour. Emphasising IGNCA’s commitment to diverse fields of research in arts, culture, and literature, he drew attention to ‘Andhra Natyam’, a natya form of Andhra Pradesh, urging scholars to undertake focused studies on it. He also mentioned the region’s rich artistic heritage, including Pochampally toys, and noted how modern technologies are being integrated at ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design’ (ABCD), where traditional artisans are innovating to sustain their crafts while balancing tradition and modernity.

Dr. Joshi further highlighted IGNCA’s pivotal role in national cultural initiatives, citing its contributions to the artwork of the New Parliament and the installation of the ‘Ashtadhatu Nataraja’ sculpture at Bharat Mandapam, the tallest of its kind globally, crafted using traditional techniques. Beyond Shastriya traditions, IGNCA also engages with various art forms and has 600 publications to its credit, including ‘Kalakalpa’, a distinguished journal in the field of art and culture. He further noted, as part of IGNCA’s broader outreach, this marks its tenth Regional Centre, joining others such as Thrissur, which focuses on Vedic Studies; Vadodara, which undertakes initiatives in conservation, culture, and art spanning modern, contemporary, and tribal forms; Goa, dedicated to Intercultural Traditions; and Varanasi, which delves into Shaiva traditions, collectively enriching the cultural and intellectual landscape across India. Recognising the significance of Rashtriya Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, he stressed the role of information and technology in skill enhancement and the introduction of short-term courses in applied subjects. He concluded by reaffirming that wherever IGNCA expands its reach, it plays a pivotal role in engaging a broader audience and fostering cultural discourse. The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Priyanka Mishra, Director (Administration), IGNCA, acknowledging the collective efforts that brought this vision to fruition. The event was anchored by Shri Sumit Dey, Assistant Professor at CIL, IGNCA.