Legends of India Lifetime Achievement Award for Alkazi, Himmat Shah

Arts education, which will include imparting the knowledge and practice of India's rich and diverse culture and performing traditions, will be be made compulsory in Delhi schools, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has said.

Sisodia, who is also Delhi's education minister, was speaking after conferring the Lifetime Achievement Awards on renowned theatre personality Ebrahim Alkazi and sculptor Himmat Shah at the India International Centre on Friday evening.

Sisodia said study of the arts will not only help students become better human beings but also inculcate self confidence, self esteem and a pride in the country's traditions.

Accepting the award on behalf of her father, who is 90, Alkazi's daughter Amal Allana spoke about his journey and said: "He was not only limited to theatre but also had a great contribution to the world of fine arts."

"On the occasion of his 90th birthday the Legends of India Lifetime Achievement Award is memorable because it comes as a part of the entire celebration," she added.

Speaking on the occasion Niti Ayog and patron of Legends of India Bibek Debroy lauded its efforts in promoting younger artists as well as the unknown and legends in the making.

"'The Art Appreciation Lecture Series' and 'Morning Ragas' are some of the initiatives which will help educate and conscious about our culture and heritage," he added

Earlier, Legends of India chairman Dipayan Mazumdar said: "Unless our traditional art forms are recognised and incorporated within the education syllabi, they will shrink and become mere show pieces in the present socio economic situation."

Legends of India lifetime Achievement Award was first conferred in 2002, to honour living legends who have devoted a lifetime in search of 'Excellence' and have passed on the mantle to the new generation of believers. Some of the past recipients have been Mrinalini Sarabhai, Sitara Devi, Zohra Sehgal, Chandralekha, Habib Tanvir, Badal Sarkar, Prabha Atre and Birju Maharaj, among others.

--IANS

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