Gangtok, 28th January 2021(IPR): Ms. Grace Sundas, a student of Tadong Senior Secondary School, East Sikkim secured the third position at the National level competition for Kala Utsav which began virtually from 10th January 2021 and concluded on 23rd January 2021. The Valedictory cum Award ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Education, Government of India today. All the States, Union territories and Kendriya Vidhyalayas took part in this competition. Sikkim managed to secure the third position in the newly introduced concept of Indigenous toys and games.
Kala Utsav is an initiative of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India to promote arts in Education, by nurturing and showcasing the artistic talent of school students in the country. It was launched in the year 2015 with the objective to create awareness about India’s rich cultural heritage and its vibrant diversity among the students.
Kala Utsav has been regularly organized every year since 2015 as a celebration of Art forms in the school system. It is an art festival which includes performances and display of exhibits. It helps the students to explore, understand and showcase their artistic talent of practicing different art forms. Kala Utsav has been an instrumental festival for students of Secondary level to understand and celebrate cultural diversity at the school, district, state and national level.
Unlike previous years, Kala Utsav was conducted virtually at the National Level. However, at the District level, it was conducted physically at the suitable venues in all the four districts of Sikkim. The State level selection was done virtually from four different venues in the respective district and centralized venue at the state level in the NIC premises w.e.f. 9th December 2020 to 11th December 2020. This year, Kala Utsav was held in nine different art forms which include Traditional and vocal Music, Dance both folk and Classical, Instrumental music folk and classical, 2D & 3D painting and Indigenous toys and games. The selection at the state level was judged by a panel of nine judges having expertise in the particular category. From among the 37 participants who made their entry at the state level from all the districts as per the guidelines, a total of 16 participants were selected for participation at the National level competition in various art forms. In previous years too, Sikkim state has been able to win positions in the Kala Utsav program as we are continuously participating since it was launched.
The entire family of the Education Department congratulates the Winner and all the participants who took part in all the levels of the competition right from the district level.
