Art Education: Key to creativity

Their boundaries are unlimited. Irrespective of their cultural backgrounds, kids will find imaginative ways to have fun.  Acting in a play is exhilarating.

 Why has art education taken a backseat? Over the past several years we have seen the trend of schools removing arts from their curriculum and shifting heavily towards common core subjects.

 Art education may be regarded as a luxury but learning to create and appreciate visual aesthetics may be more important for the development of the next generation.

“Art education, which will include imparting the knowledge and practice of India’s rich and diverse culture and performing traditions, will be made compulsory in Delhi schools,” said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, after conferring the Lifetime Achievement Awards on renowned theatre personality Ebrahim Alkazi and sculptor Himmat Shah at the India International Centre (IIC) recently held in the national Capital.

“Study of the arts will not only help students become better human beings but also inculcate self confidence, self esteem and a pride in the country’s traditions,” he added.

While accepting award on behalf of her ageing father Alkazi, his daughter Amal Allana, talked about his great contribution to the world of fine arts and his journey.  

“We must recognize our traditional art forms and incorporate them in the education syllabus, before they lose their presence and remain a show piece in the present socio economic situation,” stressed Dipayan Mazumdar, Chairman, Legends of India at the occasion.

Dr Bibek Debroy, member of Niti Ayog and patron of Legends of India, lauded efforts made by the Legends of India in promoting younger artists as well as those nurturing legends in the making. 

He said, “The Art Appreciation Lecture Series, Morning Ragas are some of the initiatives which will help educate and create consciousness about our culture and heritage.”

Legends of India lifetime Achievement Award was first conferred in 2002, to honour living legends who have devoted a lifetime in search of ‘Excellence’ and have passed the baton to a new generation of believers.

 This award since then gained national repute and appreciation from the cultural community across the country. Some of the past recipients included the likes of Mrinalini Sarabhai, Sitara Devi, Zohra Sehgal and the likes.