Senior artists and cultural contributors being honoured at the Senior Kala Vandan and Maa Saraswati Jai Shri Ramlila Artists Group Samman Samaroh–2026 in Chandigarh.
Senior artists and cultural contributors from different states felicitated at the ‘Senior Kala Vandan and Maa Saraswati Jai Shri Ramlila Artists Group Samman Samaroh–2026’
PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK CHANDIGARH
Jai Shri Ramlila Manch Chandigarh organised the ‘Senior Kala Vandan and Maa Saraswati Jai Shri Ramlila Artists Group Samman Samaroh–2026’, celebrating the contribution of senior artists, cultural practitioners and people associated with the preservation of traditional performing arts. The programme was held with devotion, enthusiasm and grandeur and witnessed the participation of a large number of devotees, veteran artists and people associated with art and culture.
Chandigarh Congress president H.S. Lucky and Member of Parliament Manish Tewari attended the ceremony as chief guests. Their presence added significance to the cultural gathering, which was organised to recognise the contribution of artists who have remained associated with the performing arts and traditional cultural activities.
Rajiv Modgil, advisor to Jai Shri Ramlila Manch, Rahul Bamba, chief patron, and Sanjeev Kohli, coordinator, also attended the programme and extended their support to the initiative. Members of the organising team, artists and cultural enthusiasts welcomed the guests and participated in the ceremony.
A major highlight of the event was the felicitation of artists and talented individuals associated with the cultural sector who had travelled from different states to participate in the programme. The organisers said the recognition was intended to acknowledge the dedication, artistic contribution and sustained efforts of people working to preserve and promote India’s cultural traditions.
Special appreciation was expressed for Pradeep Kumar for his contribution to the field of art. According to the organisers, Kumar has been continuously managing the Maa Saraswati Artists Group for the past two years and has contributed significantly to the field of art for the last 48 years.
His long association with artistic activities and his role as a senior artist and director were particularly acknowledged during the ceremony. Members of the Jai Shri Ramlila Manch family appreciated his continued contribution and wished him a bright and successful future.
The organisers said that the recognition of senior artists was an important part of preserving the cultural heritage associated with traditional performing arts. Artists who dedicate decades to their craft play a significant role in passing artistic traditions, performance practices and cultural values from one generation to another.
The ceremony also highlighted the wider significance of Ramlila as a traditional cultural form. Addressing the gathering, Jai Shri Ramlila Manch general secretary Amit Suri expressed heartfelt gratitude to all devotees, guests, artists and art lovers for their participation and support.
Suri said Ramlila should not be viewed merely as a form of entertainment. According to him, it represents an important expression of India’s cultural heritage, values and traditional ethos. He stressed the need to ensure that the rich tradition of Ramlila reaches younger generations so that its cultural significance can continue to be preserved.
He said the continued support, affection and blessings of devotees and cultural enthusiasts had contributed to making the ceremony memorable. He also appreciated the contribution of artists and members of the organising team who worked to make the programme successful.
The event brought together people associated with different aspects of the cultural and artistic community, creating an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of senior performers and cultural workers. The organisers maintained that such programmes can help strengthen public appreciation for traditional art forms while providing recognition to those who have spent years working in the field.
The presence of artists from different states also reflected the broader cultural connections associated with Ramlila and traditional performing arts. The organisers said cultural programmes of this nature provide a platform where artists can interact, share experiences and encourage younger participants to remain connected with India’s artistic heritage.
The recognition of Pradeep Kumar was among the significant moments of the ceremony. With nearly five decades of contribution to the arts, his association with the cultural field was described as an example of sustained dedication. His continuing work with the Maa Saraswati Artists Group was also acknowledged as an effort to keep artistic activities active and accessible.
The organisers said the objective of the programme extended beyond felicitation. It was also an effort to create awareness about the importance of cultural continuity and the responsibility of society to support traditional art forms.
Traditional performances and cultural institutions often depend on the dedication of artists, organisers, volunteers and community members. By recognising their contribution, such programmes can help strengthen their connection with the community and encourage greater participation in cultural activities.
The ceremony was also marked by a strong sense of devotion and respect for Lord Shri Ram and the cultural traditions associated with Ramlila. The organisers said the values represented through the life and teachings associated with Lord Shri Ram continue to hold relevance and can provide inspiration to society.
Amit Suri thanked the chief guests, special guests, artists, devotees and cultural enthusiasts for making the event successful. He said the support extended by the community had helped the organisation continue its efforts to preserve and promote Ramlila and associated cultural traditions.
The organisers expressed hope that future programmes would continue to provide platforms for senior artists as well as emerging talent. They said encouraging younger generations to understand and participate in traditional cultural activities was essential for ensuring continuity.
The ceremony concluded in an atmosphere of devotion, appreciation and cultural pride. The Jai Shri Ramlila Manch family extended its best wishes to all participants and guests and prayed to Lord Shri Ram for the happiness, prosperity and bright future of everyone associated with the event.
The organisers further expressed the hope that the blessings of Lord Shri Ram would always remain with the community and that collective efforts would continue to strengthen the cultural traditions associated with Ramlila.
The ‘Senior Kala Vandan and Maa Saraswati Jai Shri Ramlila Artists Group Samman Samaroh–2026’ thus served as a platform to honour senior artists, celebrate cultural traditions and underline the importance of preserving India’s rich artistic heritage for future generations.
The event brought together people associated with different aspects of the cultural and artistic community, creating an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of senior performers and cultural workers. The organisers maintained that such programmes can help strengthen public appreciation for traditional art forms while providing recognition to those who have spent years working in the field.
