The Arunachal Pradesh government is planning to develop a theatre hall with an aim to provide a platform to young talented artists in the performing arts. The decision comes after the theatre play ‘Arunachal Ek Safarnama’ directed by Riken Ngomle, Assistant Professor at the National School of Drama was staged during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Arunachal Pradesh this year and enthralled the audience including the state’s who’s who. Better late than never, one would have to say.
Creative field specially art forms are the most powerful weapon in bringing about socio-cultural change if its encouraged in right direction. Right through the mid-60s till mid 70’s that can be termed as renaissance period of cultural events in Arunachal Pradesh, recital of verses and hymns by shamans and commoners alike acted as harbinger of cultural movement to save our respective cultural identities and since then, there has never been a look back in celebrating “who we are”. Salient feature has been community participation, with very less requirements for infrastructure and in open space.
Renaissance of cultural movement is deep rooted in people’s psyche as it was a bottoms-up movement; therefore it took a constructive shape and encompassed at least 3-4 generations and given the passion amongst the folks, cultural renaissance is here to stay. And it is bound to stay positive.
However, not much of time and efforts have been invested over “where we want to be” and “how we should move ahead”, given the changing times and its pace. It would be too simplistic to reiterate or reason and point out that we are wherever because we don’t know where and how we want to be.
History is replete with anecdotes of how writers, thinkers, philosophers, actors and artists played pivotal role heralding social change but we have had none. 
Of late, grounds for “art and artists” seem to have been ploughed and saplings have been planted: Events for different art-forms like “Art Exhibitions”, “Film Festivals” and now “Theatrical Play” are held at regular intervals.
That’s not enough, for sure.
Conducive infrastructure is a must. Cognisance of long term perspective must be accounted for. Definite outcome must be spelt out, subtly. Lest structured approach is adopted, it’s safe to assume or even state that there is a deliberate design to subvert “art and artists” that has the potential to propel social movements and changes. Encouraging art and artists is where we have faltered but one is sanguine to admit, it’s never too late to board a bus moving in the right direction.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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