Latest news with #DepartmentofArtsandCulture


The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
From nomadic life to international stage, Tamil Nadu puppeteer to perform in Moscow
A traditional puppeteer (Thol Paavai Koothu) artist, whose ancestors migrated from Maharashtra six generations ago and who lived an itinerant life until he was 19, is now set to perform in Russia at 'Bharat Utsav-Festival of India' to be held from July 5 to 13 at Manezhnaya square in Moscow. B. Muthuchandran, 50, from Thovalai in Kanniyakumari district has been performing puppetry shows for the past 31 years and has been selected as one of the four arts groups from Tamil Nadu to perform in the festival happening in Moscow. Notably, Mr. Muthuchandran and his brother B. Muthukumaran, 46, are the only ones representing southern Tamil Nadu for the event. 'Our family had no permanent address until I was 19,' Mr. Muthuchndran told The Hindu. 'We lived a nomadic life, one month we would set up our tent to perform the koothu in Tenkasi, the next in Tirunelveli and then in Udangudi. Our livelihood depended entirely on the amount collected during our shows.' After the passing of their father, Mr. Muthuchandran and his brother continued the family tradition, performing at temple festivals, and village events for their survival. A major breakthrough came when they began amalgamating traditional stories such as the Ramayana, Nalla Thangaal and Harichandra Puranam with relevant elements such as social awareness on plastic usage, helmet safety, women empowerment and contemporary humour. In recognition of his contribution to the folk art, Mr. Muthuchnadran was honored with the prestigious Kalaimamani award by the Tamil Nadu government in 2018. Thol Paavai literally means 'doll made with skin.' These puppets are crafted using goat skin, painted with vibrant colours and humorous expressions. The goat skin is carefully treated before sketching, and natural dyes made from cactus fruit, pipal tree buds and charcoal are used in the colouring process, which is economically suitable for them. Folklorist A.K. Perumal says the artists originally migrated from Maharashtra and still speak Marathi at home. 'Although only three to four families from Kanniyakumari continue to practice puppetry, artists like Muthuchandran have evolved the tradition by incorporating humour and relevant social themes into their story telling.' Following his performance in California in 2023, Mr. Muthuchandran emerged in the radar of the Tamil Nadu Department of Arts and Culture. Speaking to The Hindu, B. Hemanathan, Deputy Director (Art Education and Schemes), Department of Arts and Culture, said the rural and folk arts were identified through regional festivals such as Kumari Kalai Thiruvizha and Courtallam Saral Vizha across the State. The government was taking various measures to protect and promote the traditional art forms by organising various programmes throughout the year.


Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Khasi Authors' Society calls for inclusion of language in 6th schedule
Shillong: Khasi Authors' Society convened its annual general council in the city on Saturday to deliberate on several critical and long-standing concerns related to the Khasi language and its place within the constitutional and cultural framework of the state and the nation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now At the forefront of the discussions was the urgent call for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, as well as the legislative process required to elevate its current status from an associate official language to a full-fledged official language of Meghalaya. Members emphasized the need for swift governmental action in recognition of the linguistic rights and cultural identity of the Khasi people. Another major agenda item was the status and completion of the comprehensive Khasi-to-Khasi and Khasi-to-English dictionary project, which is being developed with financial support from the Department of Arts and Culture, Govt of Meghalaya, and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council. The Council also discussed plans for commemorating iconic literary figures such as Thomas Jones and Soso Tham, among others, through a series of events, including a national seminar to be held in New Delhi in 2026. The session witnessed the induction of several new members into the Society, signaling a growing interest in literary pursuits among the younger generation. The incumbent leadership was retained, with Dr. D. R. L. Nonglait as president, Dr. K. D. Ramsiej as vice president, and Dr. Ronald P. Kharshiing as general secretary. "The Khasi Authors' Society reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the advancement of the Khasi language and literature. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Strategic measures have been streamlined to ensure that the government—both state and central—take concrete action on these long-pending issues. The Society stressed that such efforts are essential for nurturing the aspirations of young literary talents and for aligning indigenous language development with the objectives of the National Education Policy, 2020," a statement issued by the Society said. Shillong: Khasi Authors' Society convened its annual general council in the city on Saturday to deliberate on several critical and long-standing concerns related to the Khasi language and its place within the constitutional and cultural framework of the state and the nation, reports Manosh Das. At the forefront of the discussions was the urgent call for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, as well as the legislative process required to elevate its current status from an associate official language to a full-fledged official language of Meghalaya. Members emphasized the need for swift governmental action in recognition of the linguistic rights and cultural identity of the Khasi people. Another major agenda item was the status and completion of the comprehensive Khasi-to-Khasi and Khasi-to-English dictionary project, which is being developed with financial support from the Department of Arts and Culture, Govt of Meghalaya, and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council. The Council also discussed plans for commemorating iconic literary figures such as Thomas Jones and Soso Tham, among others, through a series of events, including a national seminar to be held in New Delhi in 2026. The session witnessed the induction of several new members into the Society, signaling a growing interest in literary pursuits among the younger generation. The incumbent leadership was retained, with Dr. D. R. L. Nonglait as president, Dr. K. D. Ramsiej as vice president, and Dr. Ronald P. Kharshiing as general secretary. "The Khasi Authors' Society reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the advancement of the Khasi language and literature. Strategic measures have been streamlined to ensure that the government—both state and central—take concrete action on these long-pending issues. The Society stressed that such efforts are essential for nurturing the aspirations of young literary talents and for aligning indigenous language development with the objectives of the National Education Policy, 2020," a statement issued by the Society said.

IOL News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Artists march to union buildings over collapse of arts funding
Scores of artists, cultural workers, creative entrepreneurs, and citizens marched to Sechaba House, the Department of Arts and Culture on Wednesday to hand over a memorandum of demands. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers President Cyril Ramaphosa, through his office, has confirmed having received a memorandum of demands made by a group of artists, who, on Wednesday marched to Union Buildings and the offices of the Department of Sports Arts and Culture, in Tshwane seeking the President's intervention over the collapse of institutions that fund the arts. On Wednesday, scores of South African artists, musicians, and representatives of arts organisations took their complaints against the country's department of sports, arts and culture to the union buildings, accusing the ministry of systematically failing them. At the centre of the cries by these practitioners is the alleged collapse of various funding institutions meant to benefit the country's arts, crafts, music and film industries. On Wednesday, these artists marched under the banner of the Cultural and Creative Industries Campaign, where they also accused the state and particularly Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and officials of corruption and the total destruction of the art sector's funding institutions. Scores of artists, cultural workers, creative entrepreneurs, and citizens march to the Department of Arts and Culture to hand over a memorandum of demands. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers "The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture is no longer fit for purpose. Programmes are stalled. Funding pipelines have collapsed. Institutions are being run by individuals with no demonstratable knowledge, credibility, or commitment to the creative industries and are compromised. The Ministerial conduct has prioritised political optics over public service," reads part of the group's memorandum. Speaking on behalf of the artists, African Transformation Movement spokesperson, Zama Ntshona indicated that the march to the union building has been weeks in the making. The protest forms part of a National Day of Protest and performance, reflecting months of dissatisfaction in the sector. 'As the cultural and creative practitioners, we have taken our grievances to the office of the president and met with Vincent Magwenya, " said Ntshona. Music industry activist, Tebogo Sithathu accused the minister of prioritising Formula One at the expense of local artists, among other things. Attempts to get comment from the department were unsuccessful at the time of going to print. Meanwhile, presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya confirmed receipt of the memorandum and indicated that the office of the president will process these demands and refer the matter to the department for implementation of the necessary intervention. "Yes, the office of the President has received the memorandum which will be processed and referred to the department of Arts and Culture for consideration," said Magwenya. [email protected]


The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Venda-born Murena Netshitangani makes history at Cannes
LIMPOPO – The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has extended heartfelt congratulations to filmmaker Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani for making history by winning the Best African Film award at the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival in France. His acclaimed Tshivenda film, Lubunyu, captivated the international jury and brought global recognition to the rural roots of Venda. Hailing from Makuleni village, Ha-Khakhu, near the mystical Lake Fundudzi in the Vhembe district, Netshitangani's victory stands as a proud moment not only for Limpopo but for the entire South African film industry. Competing against major film-producing nations, including Nigeria, his triumph marks a shift in the representation of African stories on the world stage. The premier praised the achievement: 'This is a defining moment for the creative sector of Limpopo and South Africa. Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani has demonstrated that dreams nurtured in the quiet villages of Venda can echo across the world's grandest stages. We are immensely proud of him for carrying the heart of Venda, and indeed the spirit of Limpopo, to the world'. Set against the backdrop of a village gripped by fear, Lubunyu – taglined 'A Village Under Terror'- aligned with the 2025 Cannes theme of confronting gender-based violence and femicide. Its cultural authenticity and bold narrative were credited for its standout success. The premier also acknowledged the ongoing support of the Department of Arts and Culture and the Limpopo Arts and Culture Council for their efforts in nurturing talent across the province. She added that the soon-to-be-completed Limpopo Provincial Theatre would provide local artists a platform to develop and showcase their work without leaving their communities. Murena and his team are expected to return to South Africa later this week, bringing home not only the prestigious award but also renewed hope for rural creatives across the nation. Provincial Government celebrates this landmark achievement and commends Murena Netshitangani and his production team for uplifting the province and the country through the power of film, the premier concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!