The governing body meeting of the North Zone Cultural Centre, chaired by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, discussed organizing Kashmir and Ladakh festivals in Chandigarh, a Punjab festival in Rajasthan, and a Rajasthan festival in Kashmir. Representatives from various states participated, with the Union Ministry of Culture’s Additional Secretary virtually sharing suggestions. Plans were made to construct an auditorium in Chandigarh under the Tagore Cultural Complex scheme, with 40% of the cost to be covered by the Chandigarh Administration.
Approval was granted for annual awards for folk artists and young artists, with a total prize of Rs 12 lakh funded by Governor Kataria. The meeting also approved budgets for upcoming years, including Rs 14.56 crore for 2024-25 and a proposed Rs 15 crore for 2025-26, along with establishment expenditures. Discussions included the renovation of the Centre’s Patiala office and the construction of a boundary wall on allotted land.
The North Zone Cultural Centre was praised for its successful execution of a cultural program in Delhi on Republic Day, receiving a Special Jury Award for the event featuring around 2,700 artists. Governor Kataria highlighted the importance of cultural exchange among states to preserve India’s diverse heritage and emphasized the need to identify and nurture talent from a young age.
