Minister of state for Culture and External Affairs Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi launched the 75-day countdown to 75th year of Independence today in New Delhi. The program held at Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi at 6 PM. On the occasion Secretary Ministry of culture, Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary NDMC, Ms Isha Khosla and all senior Officials of Ministry of Culture, and New Delhi Municipal Council attended the function along with general public.
On the occasion Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi said that Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is about celebrating everything which is good in India, everything which every Indian should be proud of and everything which shows unity in diversity of India.
She also said that when India completes 75 years of independence freedom fighters who sacrificed their life for independence and also those who contributed to keep India independent should be seen as a guiding light for all of us.
She also added that today there is need to live for the country and work for its development.
Renowned singer Dr. Sukriti Mathur performed patriotic songs.
A huge screen is set up in the central park facing the Palika Bazaar that has a footfall of thousands every day that will play the countdown for 75 days from 1st June 2022 to 15th August, 2022. The screen will also play stories of unsung heroes of our country to inculcate a sense of pride for our culture and country and bring together people in an attempt towards Janbhagidari as invocated by PM Shri Narendra Modi. Prime Minister had earlier launched a 75-week countdown to the 75th year of Independence on 12th March 2021.
MoS for Culture,Smt Meenakashi Lekhi participated in G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting
Smt Lekhi highlighted various measures taken by India to develop culture and creative sectors as drivers of growth
Discussion was held on Protection of Cultural Heritage
Ministers of Culture adopted G20 Culture Working Group Terms of Reference
Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for Culture participated in the G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting on 30 July, 2021 hosted by Italy during their ongoing Presidency of G20 in 2021.
Discussion was held on Protection of Cultural Heritage; Addressing the Climate Crisis through Culture; Building Capacity through Training and Education; Digital Transition and New Technologies for Culture; and Culture and Creative Sectors as drivers for growth.
Participated in the G20 Cultural ministers meeting 2021. Spoke about how the Covid pandemic has shown us the need for international cooperation in all fields including that of culture by working towards capacity building & tech upgradation. pic.twitter.com/0PgzjPXxKm
— Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) July 30, 2021
The Minister of State for Culture addressed participants of the meeting and presented India’s perspective on the topic ‘Culture and Creative Sectors as drivers for growth’. She outlined the significance of culture and creative sectors in providing economic growth and employment as well as its potential to give more opportunities to women, youth and to local communities which have very rich and diverse cultural traditions and practices, to promote production and consumption practices that are more environmentally friendly as in the production of handlooms, handicrafts and khadi etc. and its importance and relevance for India.
She emphasized that culture and creative sectors can drive growth through generating employment, reducing inequalities, promoting development in a sustainable manner and providing distinct identity to people.
Smt Lekhi highlighted the various measures taken by India to develop the culture and creative sectors like the One District One Product scheme of Government of Uttar Pradesh, Tourism circuits, promotion of Yoga and Ayurveda etc.
MoS emphasized and supported the need for international dialogue and collaboration to tackle common issues connected to the cultural and creative sectors and to suitably inform and adapt public policies. She reiterated India’s commitment to international cultural cooperation and collaboration in efforts to support and facilitate the cultural and creative sectors of societies.
At the end of the discussions, the G20 Ministers of Culture adopted the G20 Culture Working Group Terms of Reference.
The Ministers of Culture of the G20 adopted the Ministerial Declaration for submission to the G20 Leaders’ 2021 Summit to advocate the introduction of Culture in the G20 work stream, given its strong economic and social impact at the national and global level.
