(a) whether the Government had held any puppet shows for the children on the occasion of the International
Puppetry Day;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the amount incurred; and
(d) the steps being taken by Government to increase the awareness about the puppet shows among kids?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE
(SMT. AMBIKA SONI)
(a)to(c): The Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), an autonomous organization of Ministry of
Culture organized festival and exhibition titled “Putul Yatra†on the occasion of
International Puppetry Day in Mumbai from 20-27 March 2005.The festival and
exhibition showcased various traditions of Indian Puppetry which was witnessed by
children in large numbers.As many as 10 performances were presented by traditional
puppeteers from all over the country and an expenditure of Rs.19.20 lakhs was
incurred.The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), an autonomous
organization of Ministry of Culture also organized training workshops on the theme
of role of puppetry in education at various places since January 2007 in which
teachers from various states and local students participated and an amount of
Rs.26 lakhs (approx.) had been incurred on organization of the above programmes.
(d): In order to increase awareness about puppets, monthly performances of puppet
shows, training programmes,workshops, exhibitions and demonstrations of puppets
are being organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi from time to time providing an
opportunity for all including children to learn making of puppets and its manipulation.Puppet theatre is also the part of the children theatre festival
and Bharat Rang Mahotsav being organized by National School of Drama every year.
In the training workshops being organized by Centre for Cultural Resources and
Training (CCRT) on Puppetry the students and teachers are benefited.The Zonal
Cultural Centre also organize puppet shows and workshops on puppet making for
children.