Partha Chatterjee kicks off 2-day Kala Utsav in Salt Lake

Kolkata: The two-day state level Kala Utsav (Art Festival) kicked off at Central Park fair ground on Monday. The event was inaugurated by state Education minister Partha Chatterjee in the presence of senior officials of School Education department.

"Our government's activities is not merely limited to learning as per syllabus. We constantly strive to get the best from our school students and encourage them in cultural and extra-curricular activities. The best performers at the state level will get the chance to perform at the national level," Chatterjee said.

The department has already organised Kala Utsav at the district level and from there 800 students have been selected to perform in the two-day state level competition.

The participating students are showcasing and competing with each other over four folk art forms like theatre, music, dance and visual arts.

"It is our constant endeavour to ensure that students with talents in different art forms and extra-curricular activities get recognition from the districts, state as well as at the national level. I will advise the parents to encourage their wards to participate in activities which the latter have a knack. I am confident that in the days to come there will be someone among these students who will be making Bengal proud," the minister said.

Noted singer Shibaji Chattopadhyay, who was present at the inaugural programme, lauded the efforts of the Education department for encouraging students in such cultural activities.

"Our state is known for its culture whose roots are very deep," Chattopadhyay said.