Cultural Bodies in Mandi Unite to Revive Folk Arts, Seek Better Infrastructure and Greater Recognition for Local Artists.
Shimla:
In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the district’s cultural landscape, a seminar was organized on Saturday at Tapas Academy under the chairmanship of senior artist Roop Upadhyay. The seminar brought together representatives of major cultural organizations from across Mandi district to promote cultural unity, discuss challenges faced by artists, and deliberate on measures to revive the declining interest of youth in folk arts, theatre, and traditional cultural practices.
The seminar focused on the theme of the declining participation of young people in folk culture, theatre, music, and the rapidly changing world of cinema, while also addressing the need for better infrastructure and institutional support for cultural activities in the district.
Representatives of 11 leading cultural organizations participated in the deliberations. Those present included seminar coordinator and founding president of Mandavy Kala Manch Kuldeep Guleria, Navjyoti Sports and Cultural Art Forum president Inderpal Indu, secretary Jai Kumar Jack, founding president of Saakh Society Rampal Malik, secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Cultural Research Institute Seema Sharma, Utsav chairperson Daksha Sharma, representative of Aakar Theatre Society Anil Manhat, director of Tapas Academy Latesh Sharma, vice president Meena Thakur, founder of Shiv Gauri Kala Manch Biri Singh, vice president of Sabrang Kala Manch Hardev Singh Chauhan, and founder of Prayas Kala Parishad Roop Upadhyay, among other artists and cultural activists.
During the seminar, participants held detailed discussions on strategies to encourage greater youth participation in music, theatre, folk traditions, and other performing arts. Speakers emphasized that the younger generation must be provided with opportunities, guidance, and appropriate platforms to reconnect with the region’s rich cultural heritage.
A major concern raised during the meeting was the lack of adequate cultural infrastructure in Mandi town. Participants pointed out that there is no suitable centrally located venue where artists can regularly rehearse or conduct creative workshops. They also highlighted the absence of proper stage facilities for performances, stating that these shortcomings have significantly slowed cultural activities in the district.
To address these challenges, the participating organizations unanimously agreed to establish a common platform that will collectively represent the interests of artists and cultural institutions. The proposed platform will work towards highlighting artists’ concerns before the authorities while ensuring social, economic, and emotional support for members of the artistic community.
The seminar also resolved that all participating organizations would work together to organize theatre productions, cultural festivals, and artistic events throughout the district in a coordinated manner, thereby strengthening cooperation among local cultural groups.
Another important issue discussed was the growing trend of outside organizations and event managers organizing large cultural programmes in Mandi and other parts of Himachal Pradesh in the name of promoting folk culture while allegedly sidelining local artists and organizations. Participants observed that despite the contribution of local talent, many artists are not given due recognition or meaningful participation.
Expressing concern over this practice, the representatives unanimously resolved to collectively oppose such instances and work together to safeguard the interests, dignity, and recognition of local artists and cultural organizations.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, strengthening collaboration among cultural bodies, and creating an environment where local artists, especially young performers, can flourish through improved infrastructure, institutional support, and united community efforts.
