Kolkata: On the World Audiovisual Heritage Day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated the folk artistes and said under the Lok Prasar Prakalpa, 2 lakh folk musicians have benefitted.
She tweeted: "Today is World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. The folk culture of #Bangla is famous all over the world. Our folk songs and folk art are our heritage and we are proud of them. We have also instituted the Lok Prasar Prakalpa which is benefiting 2 lakh folk artistes."
Banerjee should be given the full credit of reviving the folk culture and songs in Bengal. After coming to power in 2011, Banerjee took special initiative to revive the folk culture and heritage of the state. The mask artisans of south and north Bengal, many of whom had joined some other vocation due to poverty, came back and joined the traditional and hereditary trade.
Mask artisans, along with the woodcraft workers and clay artisans, got a new lease of life because of Banerjee's initiative. The Mukha Mela of South Dinajpur has become so famous that it is attracting people from all over the world.
The making of muslin saree has been rejuvenated and a training centre has come up in Nadia. Along with making sarees, the weavers are now making kurta-pyjama, kurtis, bed linen and salwar kameej and their products are being sold through Biswa Bangla stores. The folk artistes have been given tremendous boost through Lok Prasar Prakalpa by which around 2 lakh musicians have been given monthly stipend.
Almost in every function organised by the state government, there are performances by folk vocal artistes and dancers.
The Chief Minister has distributed musical instruments like table, dotara, ektara, khol among the folk artistes as well.
The revival of folk songs in Bengal is due to the Chief Minister. In the recently concluded Durga Puja functions in Delhi, the folk artistes from Bengal had regular performances.
In Banga Sanskriti Sammelan that are regularly held in the USA and Canada, folk artistes from the state are given important slots.
There are folk programmes by some of the private television channels every day. Many young boys and girls are taking regular training in folk songs along with Rabindrasangeet and classical music.