Kalagram to be focal art centre of North

The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM today called for adopting an integrated view to synthesize the elements of art, culture and tourism, in the concept plan for remodeling of Kalagram and making it an important focal point for the northern region, for the projection of our rich heritage. He emphasized the need for giving a major impetus to the infrastructure development with the addition of permanent and seasonal handicrafts stalls for the different states, opening up a new intimate theatre, new gallery for art objects, modernization of the lighting system, multi-level parking, traffic circuits to ensure easy access to different venues and places of interest. He further stressed on the need for creating a correct ambience and providing top quality services at an affordable cost, to the people from different walks of life, visiting this place of tourist interest.

Accompanied by Mrs Jean Rodrigues, Home Secretary, Mr. Krishna Mohan, Managing Director, CITCO, Shri. Jasbir Singh Bir, Director, NZCC, Mr. R.T. Jindal, Chief Engineer and Chief Architect, General Rodrigues who is also the Chairman of the NZCC, today made a visit to the Kalagram and examined the existing facilities available in the complex. He asked the officers to prepare a concept paper with innovative and architecturally sound designs, within a week’s times to equip it with State-of-the-art facilities and to start the restructuring work without any loss of time. He emphasized that NZCC must create well structured programmes which could develop the artistic excellence of amateur artistes and enable the younger generations imbibe the rich value of our culture, by going back to our roots.

General Rodrigues also went round the sculptures created by the artists of national and international fame in the Kalagram complex. Appreciating the art works. General Rodrigues asked the Director, NCZZ to prepare a brochure giving the historical background of each art object for the convenience of tourists. He felt that this would be a focal point for art students.

While, reviewing the food and catering facilities in the newly created CITCO Vehera, General Rodrigues asked the Managing Director, CITCO to make it purely a service provider centre and not a profit making business venture. He said that our main focus is to attract our people and children and provide them a platform for inculcating in them, an interest for the preservation of our heritage and to enable them to develop their talent. Our emphasis is to actively involve & attract artistes to Kalagram in various creative ventures by organizing different events including cultural festivals, workshops, exhibitions and musical concerts.

Mr. R.T. Zindal, Director North Zone Cultural Centre, informed the Administrator that the NZCC has organized a variety of programmes and events in Kalagram and also in different parts of the region, especially in rural areas, military cantonments, education institutions and remote localities. He said that the NZCC has also participated in various national and international level events and won applause in different competitions. He said that the NZCC made special efforts to encourage folk and tribal arts and to frame special programme for the preservation and strengthening of vanishing art forms.