Raipur: School students in Chhattisgarh (Classes 6 to 12) will study special lessons focused on local art, culture, traditions, and folk life, enabling the new generation to connect deeply with their land and heritage. The School Education Department is undertaking a significant initiative to link the new generation with Chhattisgarh’s rich art, culture, history, heritage, architecture, folk traditions, music, saints, great personalities, and creative figures. To this end, a three-day residential workshop is being organized from August 24 to 26 at the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in Shankar Nagar, Raipur. Writers, subject experts, cultural scholars, researchers, and mass communication specialists from across the state are participating in the workshop to create an ‘art repository’ centered on Chhattisgarh’s art and culture.
Initiative to Integrate Local Art and Culture into Curriculum Materials
In alignment with the National Education Policy, Chhattisgarh is moving towards becoming the first state in the country to develop—using its own resources—supplementary textual and visual materials that will familiarize students (Classes 6–12), teachers, trainers, educational administrators, and the parent community with local art and cultural heritage. The objective is to foster an artistic sensibility, empathy, and a sense of pride regarding local heritage among students. The workshop’s primary aim is to prepare high-quality educational content covering Chhattisgarh’s diverse art and cultural forms. Additionally, keeping the students’ academic development in mind, scripts for short films (5–10 minutes long) related to each subject will also be prepared.
Content to be Developed on 100 Topics
Distinguished writers, subject experts, cultural scholars, researchers, and mass communication specialists from various regions of the state are providing guidance and writing content on approximately 100 topics related to Chhattisgarh’s culture, civilization, and art. These topics have been categorized into major genres, and subject-specific groups have been formed to work on them. Inclusion of Eminent Figures and Folk Traditions
The art repository will also showcase the contributions of Chhattisgarh’s eminent personalities, saints, and great figures. These include Sage Lomash, Valmiki, Vallabhacharya, Guru Ghasidas, Nagarjuna, Sage Shringi, Gahira Guru, Shabari Mata, Raja Chakradhar, Padma Shri Teejan Bai, Vinod Kumar Shukla, Tulsiram Devangan, Suruj Bai Khande, Madhavrao Sapre, Dau Kalyan Singh, Minimata, Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi, Mukutdhar Pandey, Jhaduram Devangan, Pt. Sundarlal Sharma, Dhani Dharmadas, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, and Gundadhur.
Significant architectural landmarks and pilgrimage sites—such as the Kaushalya Temple, Sirpur, Bhoramdeo, Danteshwari Temple, Bamleshwari Temple, Chandrahasini Temple, Maa Mahamaya Temple (Ratanpur), and Rajiv Lochan Temple (Rajim)—have been included. Content is also being developed regarding distinct sects and traditions, such as the Satnam Panth, Kabir Panth, Ramnami Panth, Ghotul, Mama-Bhanja, Mitan-Badna, Lamsena, and Manas Mandali.
Festivals, Folk Dances, Music, and Crafts to be Part of the Content
Major festivals and celebrations of Chhattisgarh—including Hareli, Navakhai, Bastar Dussehra, Goncha Parv, Gauri-Gaura, Rath Yatra, Cherchera, Teeja-Pola, Bhojali, and Madai—along with traditional sports and activities, have been included. Content regarding visual arts and crafts will cover Dokra art, terracotta, bamboo craft, iron craft, Godna (traditional tattooing), and Rajwar murals. In the realm of folk music and instruments, the initiative will feature forms such as Kabir Gayan, Suva, Bans, Danda, Panthi, Bhojli, Devar, Dadariya, Phag, Bharthari, wedding songs, and Chandaini songs, alongside traditional instruments like Mandar, Mohri, Dhol, Bansuri, Sarangi, Dhankul, and Timki.
Folk dance and theatre forms—including Panthi, Raut Nacha, Gedi, Kaksar, Gaur, Saila, Suva, Sarhul dance, Nacha, Pandwani, and folk tales—are being included. Additionally, Chhattisgarh’s traditional culinary arts will be introduced to students; educational material will be developed around traditional dishes such as Thethri, Khurmi, Fara-Muthiya, Angakar Roti, Chausela, Bafori, Chapda Chutney, Madia Pej, and Papchi.
From Course Material to Short Film Scripts: A Three-Day Process
The first day of the workshop involves the presentation of course material, a subject-wise review, and the formation of groups. On the second day (August 25), the material will be revised and refined, the final draft will be determined, and scripts for short films will be written. The third day (August 26) will feature the presentation of short film scripts, final editing, approval, and the concluding session.
Art Repository to Connect the New Generation with Its Roots
Chhattisgarh’s proposed art repository will not merely be a collection of educational materials; it will serve as a vital medium for conveying the state’s cultural memories, folk wisdom, traditions, and art forms to the new generation. Through this initiative, students will not only learn about the art, culture, and heritage of their land but also become aware of the importance of its preservation and promotion. This initiative will prove to be a significant step towards integrating Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural identity into the educational system.
