26-Apr-2022: Union Minister Shri Anurag Thakur launches, 'Azadi Ki Amrit Kahaniyan,’ a short video series showcasing inspiring stories
As part of the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 12th March 2021, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur today launched ‘Azadi Ki Amrit Kahaniya’, a short video series created in collaboration with OTT platform, Netflix. Also present at the occasion were Minister of State, Dr L Murugan, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Apurva Chandra, and Head of Global TV, Netflix, Ms. Bela Bajaria.
Women change makers Ms. Basanti Devi, Padma-award winning environmentalist from Pithoragarh known for her contribution towards revitalizing the Kosi river; Ms. Anshu Jamsenpa, a Padma Shri awardee for being the first woman in the world to summit Mount Everest twice in five days in 2017 and Ms. Harshini Kanhekar, the first female firefighter in India, were also present at the launch.
The Minister Shri Anurag Singh Thakur while addressing the audience and media said that Ministry of I&B has been a vital part of Amrit Mahotsav celebrations with various initiatives. The idea of Azadi is intertwined with women emancipation in India and the Minister remarked that the term Azadi or freedom holds a wider connotation for women who have to fight stereotypes and taboos in the society as well. He added that emancipation of women was the hallmark of emancipation index of a society.
Speaking on the collaboration Shri Thakur said "this initiative aims to bring out inspiring stories of Indians and these stories shall motivate and empower more people to achieve their goals".
He added that this was a long term partnership where different themes and diverse stories will be highlighted. "Netflix will be producing twenty five videos on themes including women empowerment, environment and sustainable development and other days of significance. Netflix will produce two-minute short films for the Ministry which will be shared on social media platforms and telecast on Doordarshan network", Shri Thakur elaborated.
Shri Thakur elaborated on the multiple dimensions of this partnership and said Netflix and Ministry will continue to organize training workshops and master classes to encourage film makers in India to create inspiring content on various topics under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
"Netflix and ministry will partner to develop a creative ecosystem by organizing training programs for post-production, VFX, animation, music production among others and will be organized on ground and virtually", he announced.
The Minister lauded the remarkable achievements of the three women on the dais and said their stories will inspire people across the country. He also expressed hope that after this collaboration film makers from across the world will come to India to make films and documentaries for not just the Indian audience but to showcase it to the entire world. The Minister stated that the partnership between the Ministry and Netflix was only a beginning and will not be limited to Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Earlier, Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra in his opening remarks highlighted the convergence between the Ministry of I&B and Netflix and said that the two entities signed a collaboration agreement and these three videos released today are the first set produced under this partnership. He added that a deeper collaboration featuring a long running series on our freedom struggle and the stories that need to be told to the world is in the pipeline.
Speaking on the occasion Ms. Bela Bajaria, Head of Global TV, Netflix, said that India was one of the most vibrant entertainment industries in the world and India was remarkably well placed in times of internet entertainment. "Netflix is excited to be part of a time when stories from India are being exported to the world and the best Indian stories are being discovered and loved on a global stage", she said.
Commenting on the partnership with Ministry of I&B, Ms. Bajaria said that "Netflix is proud to partner with MIB to celebrate and acknowledge the evolution of India over past 75 years by celebrating its beautiful art, culture and storytelling". She further added that it was "in pursuance of this partnership Netflix has created a series of short videos based on real life stories aimed to celebrate achievement of people from all corners of India".
Speaking about the first set of videos in the series, Ms. Bajaria said that these stories are of incredible women who have fought against the odds to achieve their dreams. Netflix’s commitment to India is strong and growing and Netflix will continue to find the country's finest stories and share them across the globe, she remarked.
‘Azadi Ki Amrit Kahaniyan’ is an iconic initiative which brings out beautiful stories of inspirational Indians on various themes including Women Empowerment, Environment & Sustainability, and others. The diverse set of stories seek to motivate and empower Indians from every corner of the country.
The Ministry and Netflix have collaborated to produce the first set of videos featuring seven Women Change makers from across the country who share their experiences in breaking the glass ceiling. They are demonstrated as ‘forces of nature’ as they speak about what Azadi means to them. Showcasing the unique diversity of India, these two minute short films were shot in locations across the country and are narrated by acclaimed actor, Ms. Neena Gupta.
The Seven Changemakers also include Ms. Poonam Nautiyal, a healthcare worker who walked miles across Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand to vaccinate everyone; Dr. Tessy Thomas, the first woman scientist to head a missile project in India; Ms. Tanvi Jagadish, India's first competitive woman stand-up paddleboarder and Ms. Aarohi Pandit, the world's youngest and first woman pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean solo in a light-sport aircraft.
Three of the videos, featuring Ms. Basanti Devi, Ms. Anshu and Ms. Harshini; and a trailer offering a sneak peek into the series, were released today. With a focus on highlighting and honouring the exemplary women, the three Changemakers were felicitated by Shri Anurag Thakur, who lauded their efforts of empowering women across the country and leading by example.
The launch of the ‘Azadi Ki Amrit Kahaniyan’ series adds another chapter to the partnership between Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Netflix as they join together to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav marking 75 years of India's independence.
This partnership, which also saw Netflix participate during the 52nd International Film Festival of India in Goa in November 2021, will further be strengthened through initiatives like Skill Development Workshops, Masterclasses, Film Screenings, Short Film Competitions, in the near future.
The Azadi Ki Amrit Kahaniyan’ videos will be available on various social media channels of the Ministry and Netflix, as well as broadcast across the Doordarshan network. They will also soon be made available in other languages like Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, English and Malayalam to ensure that the stories are seen and heard by people across the nation.
14-Jan-2022: More than a crore performed Surya Namaskar globally
Celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Ayush observed “Surya Namaskar for vitality” today. More than 75 lakh people from all over the world, including India, performed Surya Namaskar together to keep the body and mind healthy and keep themselves safe during the Covid pandemic. The programme was launched virtually by Union Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and MoS for Ayush Dr Munjapara Mahendrabhai. On this occasion, Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev and many notable personalities from different parts of the world joined in the inaugural programme.
In his inaugural address, the Union Minister said that sun worship is done through Surya Namaskar to improve the physical and mental well-being of people. Under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, Yoga and Surya Namaskar is being promoted for the wellness and health of mankind.
On this occasion Dr Munjapara Said that different researches on Surya Namaskara demonstrated that Surya Namaskara builds our immunity and keeps the body fit.
Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said that Surya Namaskar is for Vitality and the Ministry of Ayush has conceived this programme to promote the healing power of Solar energy.
In this Virtual event, many leading Yoga Masters and Yoga enthusiasts from all over the world joined, demonstrated Surya Namaskar and shared their views on Surya Namaskar.
Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev said that the Surya Namaskar movement aims to make people aware of the basis of life force. Yoga means to unite people and we are doing the same by uniting more than 75 lakh people performing Surya Namaskar together.
Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said that the energy of the sun awakens the immunity within us, which can save us from this global epidemic. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of Isha Foundation, said that everything in the world is governed by the energy of the sun. Performing Surya Namaskar daily improves physical and psychological health.
2021 Miss World Japan Tamaki Hoshi also joined virtually. She said that this initiative taken by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India is proving to be very beneficial for every human being in these pandemic times. A large number of people in Japan are also performing Surya Namaskar and many have included yoga in their daily routine.
The President of Italy Yoga Institute, Dr Antoinette Rossi, appealed to the people to stay healthy by performing Surya Namaskar. Dr Indranil Basu Roy, President of the American Yoga Academy, members of the Singapore Yoga Institute including many others also virtually joined the program and performed Surya Namaskar following the COVID rules.
MDNIY Director Ishwar Basavareddy said that Surya Namaskar plays a big role in strengthening our respiratory system, by doing it through a yogic process, we can remain free from many diseases. The event was live on DD National and participants across the globe showed their enthusiasm by virtual participation.
Leading Yoga masters, namely, Mrs. Hansaji Jayadeva, Director, The Yoga Institute, Dr. H. R. Nagendra, Chancellor, SVYASA University, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudeva, Founder, Isha Foundation, Padmashri Bharat Bhushan, Founder, Mokshayatan Yogashram, Daadji Kamlesh D Patel, President, Sri, Ram Chandra Mission, Raj Yogini B.K. Asha, Director, Brahma Kumaris, Sadhvi, Bhagwati, President, Divine Shakti Foundation, Shri Sridharan, Krishnamacharya Yoga, Mandiram, Chennai, Dr. Antonietta Rozzi, President, Yoga Association, Italy, Dr. Indranill Basu Ray, Chairman, American Academy of Yoga and Meditation joined the event virtually.
The event garnered immense support and witnessed participation from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs including NCC, NSS volunteers and army personnel.
2-Dec-2021: Ministry of Culture implements Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Culture and Art under “Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojna (KSVY)”
Ministry of Culture implements a financial grant scheme known as Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Culture and Art for the purpose of strengthening the voluntary Buddhist/Tibetan Organizations including the monasteries engaged in propagation and scientific development of Buddhist/Tibetan Culture and tradition and in research in related fields. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to the voluntary Buddhist and Tibetan Organizations including Monasteries engaged in the propagation and scientific development of Buddhist/ Tibetan Culture and tradition, located in any part of the country. The quantum of funding is Rs.30.00 lakhs per year for an organization. The Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) on the scheme is empowered to recommend the amount beyond the maximum limit but not exceeding Rs.1.00 crore from this scheme.
16-Oct-2020: Culture Ministry issues guidelines for holding cultural events/activities in Virtual / Online mode under various scheme components of Central Sector Scheme ‘Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana’ (KSVY)
The Covid outbreak has had a substantial impact on the Performing Arts & Cultural sector with in-person exhibitions, events, and performances either cancelled or postponed. However, there were intensive efforts by the Artists & the institutions of the Ministry of Culture to provide alternative or additional services through digital platforms with proper documentation of the events. Ministry of Culture (Performing Arts Bureau) implements many schemes under its Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY), where the grants are sanctioned/approved for holding programs/activities which involve large audience.
While the performances with a limited audience have been recently allowed, in view of the prevailing conditions, the Ministry of Culture has formulated & devised the following guidelines to help artists/organizations who have already been sanctioned grant under various scheme components of ‘Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana’ (KSVY) to conduct events on virtual mode. This will enable them to avail benefits under these schemes even if they are not able to stage programs in the physical format as before and will ensure continued financial assistance to tide over the present crisis.
- The artists/organizations who have already been sanctioned grant under KSVY schemes are encouraged to conduct various components of the schemes such as virtual workshops on art & craft, lecture-cum-demonstrations, webinars, online programs/festivals etc. through virtual mode on social media handles like Facebook, YouTube etc. (Scheme-wise details are placed at Annexure ).
- The submission of hard copies of documents relating to activities covered under the scheme / scheme components will be dispensed with for the time being and soft copies of the same will be admissible for release of grant.
- The organizations who are conducting events on virtual mode may be given exemption from submission of proof of event such as Newspaper cutting but must submit link/recordings of the virtual events / activities with details of the event. The outreach of the program in terms of measure of the digital audience should also be indicated.
- The expenditure incurred on activities as reflected in Utilization Certificate (UC) should be justified with reference to the program conducted via virtual platform.
- As per provisions of GFR:
- UC must be submitted in GFR 12- A proforma.
- Performance / targets fixed and achieved, statement for the year to which the utilization of the fund resulted in outcome in Annexure-I of GFR 12-A proforma.
- Utilization of the fund resulting in outcomes and details of various schemes executed by the grantee organization / agency through GIA received from the same Ministry or from other Ministries in Annexure-II of GFR 12 –A proforma, as per format of these Annexures formulated by the Programme Division.
Annexure
- Repertory Grant: Under Repertory Grant, training of artistes by their respective Gurus and performance of Cultural Activities may be conducted online. For Utilization Certificate (UC) purpose rent receipts of hall, costume, light, design, remuneration to the artistes for performing various activity relating to the Repertory Grant will be accepted for release of grant.
- National Presence: Under National Presence, cultural programmes/festival/seminars etc. at National level for promotion of art & culture may be conducted online. For Utilization Certificate (UC) purpose Rent receipts for hiring halls, theatres, remuneration to Artistes, purchase invoices of equipment etc., expenditure made for performing various other activities relating to conducting components of schemes as covered under the scheme guidelines will be accepted for release of grant.
- CFPGS: Under Cultural Function & Production Grant (CFPG), Seminars, Conference, Research, Workshops, Festivals, Exhibitions, Symposia, Production of Dance, Drama-Theatre, Music etc. and small research projects on different aspects of Indian Culture may be conducted online. For Utilization Certificate (UC) purpose rent receipts for hiring halls, theatres, remuneration to Artistes, purchase invoices of equipment etc., expenditure made for performing various other activities relating to conducting components of schemes as covered under the scheme guidelines will be accepted for release of grant.
- Himalayan Heritage: Under Financial Assistance for the Preservation & Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas, study and research, preservation and documentation, dissemination through audio visual programme, training in traditional & fold art may be conducted online. For Utilization Certificate (UC) purpose activities relating to these components of the Himalayan scheme will be accepted for release of grant.
- Buddhist / Tibetan: Under Financial Assistance for Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Arts, research project, purchase of books, documentation and cataloguing, award of scholarships to monk, holding of special courses and culture, audio-visual recording / documentation, IT upgradation training aids for monastic, salary to teachers may be performed online. For Utilization Certificate (UC) purpose activities relating to these components of the Buddhist scheme will be accepted for release of grant.
- Scholarship / Fellowship: Under Scheme of Scholarships and Fellowships for Promotion of Art and Culture, advanced training within India in the field of Indian Classical Music, Indian Classical Dance, Theatre, Mime, Visual art, Folk, Traditional and Indigenous Arts and Light Classical Music and research may be performed online and report can also be submitted in soft version.