The Ministry of Culture has implemented the Global Engagement Scheme to promote India’s rich cultural heritage globally and enhance India’s image in the international arena. The scheme aims to foster cultural exchange and strengthen bilateral cultural ties through various initiatives, such as organizing the Festival of India (FoI) abroad.
Festival of India (FoI)
The Festival of India is a key component of the Global Engagement Scheme. The festival is organized in foreign countries to promote people-to-people connections and bilateral cultural relations. The event features performances from artists across diverse cultural fields, including:
- Folk Art (Folk Music, Folk Dance, Folk Theatre, Puppetry)
- Classical and Traditional Dance
- Experimental/Contemporary Dance
- Classical and Semi-Classical Music
- Theatre
These artists perform at various Festivals of India abroad, showcasing the vibrancy of India’s cultural heritage.
Grants for Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies
To further promote Indian folk art, culture, and music internationally, the Ministry of Culture offers Grant-in-aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies. These grants are provided to Indian cultural organizations in foreign countries to support cultural programs and activities that promote Indian traditions.
Achievements of the Scheme
From 2013-14 to 2023-24, a total of 62 Festivals of India (FoIs) have been held in various countries, with 2348 artists, including folk artists, participating in these events.
Artist Compensation
The Ministry ensures fair compensation for the artists participating in the Festivals of India:
- Main Artist/Leader: Rs. 35,000 per performance
- Accompanying Artist: Rs. 7,000 per performance
Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists
The Ministry also administers the Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists scheme. This scheme provides financial support to veteran artists aged 60 and above who have significantly contributed to their specialized art forms, including folk art. The assistance can be up to Rs. 6,000 per month, subject to adjustment for any state pension received.
Empanelment of Artists
The Ministry of Culture maintains a list of empaneled artists/groups for various art forms. Artists from this list are selected for performances in the Festivals of India abroad. For example, 2 folk artist/groups and 1 Kathak artist from Uttarakhand are currently empaneled.
Participation in International Events
An Uttarakhand-based troupe participated in the Freedom 70 Cultural Event held in Cuba and the Dominican Republic from August 8 to 16, 2017, as part of the Festival of India initiative.
Support for Artists from Uttarakhand
Under the Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists scheme, 4 artists from Uttarakhand have received financial support in the past two years and the current year.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the main objective of the Ministry of Culture’s Global Engagement Scheme?
- a) To promote Indian artists within India
- b) To promote India’s cultural heritage and enhance its global image
- c) To organize international trade events
- d) To provide grants to foreign artists
- Answer: b) To promote India’s cultural heritage and enhance its global image
- Which art forms are represented in the Festivals of India abroad?
- a) Classical Dance, Classical Music, Folk Art
- b) Contemporary Art and Sculpture
- c) Folk Music, Contemporary Dance, Folk Theatre
- d) All of the above
- Answer: d) All of the above
- How much is the performance fee for the main artist in the Festival of India?
- a) Rs. 7,000
- b) Rs. 10,000
- c) Rs. 35,000
- d) Rs. 50,000
- Answer: c) Rs. 35,000
- What is the maximum financial assistance provided to veteran artists under the scheme?
- a) Rs. 3,000 per month
- b) Rs. 5,000 per month
- c) Rs. 6,000 per month
- d) Rs. 10,000 per month
- Answer: c) Rs. 6,000 per month
- Which region’s folk artists participated in the ‘Freedom 70 Cultural event’ in 2017?
- a) Rajasthan
- b) Uttar Pradesh
- c) Uttarakhand
- d) Tamil Nadu
- Answer: c) Uttarakhand
- How many Festivals of India were held from 2013-14 to 2023-24?
- a) 50
- b) 62
- c) 75
- d) 100
- Answer: b) 62