CONTENARIES AND ANNIVERSARIES
 

The Department of Culture observed Centenaries of distinguished personalities who have contributed towards cultural heritage, development of thought and reform of social systems. Normally year-long programmes are drawn up for major centenaries which are observed at national level. The programmes which are recommended by High- Powered Committees, set up for each such Centenary include various types of activities and are implemented by various Ministries/Departments of Government of India including Department of Education and Culture under their normal and on going' schemes. However, programmes which cannot be covered under any existing schemes are implemented by the Centenary Cell for which 'Ad-hoc' provisions are made under 'Plan' budget. These programmes normally include organisation of National and International Seminars, functions, publications, exhibitions, memorials etc.

Celebrations of 1400th Anniversary of the Hijra Era

Shri M. S. Sathyu, an eminent producer, has been entrusted with the work of production-of a Documentary Film on 'Islamic Heritage of India'. The cost of the film will be Rs. 14.00 lakhs.

Subramania Bharati Centenary Celebration

Presently the Department is celebrating birth Centenary of Tamil Poet Subramania Bharati, which falls in December 1982. For this purpose an All India Committee has been formed with Shri Kamlapati Tripathi as its Chairman. The Committee has made a number of recommendations which are being pursued with concerned Departments/organisations. The concluding function was organised during January 8-10, 1983.

Jayaprakash Narayan Memorial

A Jayaprakash Narayan Memorial Committee has been set up under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister to suggest programmes for perpetuating the memory of late Shri Jayaprakash Narayan. The Committee made some recommendations which are being pursued with Government of Bihar and other organisations/individuals,

Other Programmes

Financial assistance has been provided for Centenary Celebrations/ anniversaries celebration for organising the fifth death anniversary of the late President Shri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Publication of a commemorative volume on Quin-Centenary of Poet Surdas, Centenary Celebration of Dhrupad Samrat Shri Chandanji Chaturvedi, Publication of Delux Library Edition- Pictorial Biography of Bhagvan Shri Ramana Maharishi.

It has now been decided that proposals to celebrate centenaries of eminent personalities should be mooted by non-official quarters and Government may supplement the voluntary efforts to the extent necessary.

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