The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Puducherry, organised Seva Parv at Kamarajar Manimandapam, bringing together themes of Viksit Bharat. Shri K. Kailashnathan Ji, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Shri P. Rajavelu, Minister for Culture, Government of Puducherry, Dr Sumit Dey, Regional Director, IGNCA were among those present at the programme.
On this occasion, Dr Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry was invited to speak on “Viksit Bharat: Towards a Developed, Culturally Conscious and Spiritually Awakened India.” Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tripathy emphasized on the idea of development of beyond economic growth and infrastructure, arguing that a developed India would also require technological capability, social inclusion, cultural confidence and a deeper engagement with its civilisational heritage.
The lecture underlined that the country's progress should encompass economic strength, technological advancement and social development alongside cultural and intellectual confidence. India's movement from dependence towards greater self-reliance was discussed as a broader national process extending beyond trade, currency or conventional economic indicators to include domestic capabilities, confidence and the capacity to stand on its own.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address, the lecture outlined seven areas identified as important to national strength: manufacturing; agriculture and food production; technology and innovation; connectivity; defence; green and blue economies; and India's soft power. The address also highlighted reforms, quality, youth participation, women's representation, employment and the global potential of Indian culture.
Dr Tripathy spoke about the opinion of the hon’ble Prime Minister on Sri Aurobindo, a distinguished freedom fighter, philosopher, and visionary whose life and ideals continue to inspire generations “Sri Aurobindo showed us how philosophy, spirituality and nation-building come together in service of a higher purpose. His thoughts inspire us to strive for an India that realises its fullest potential.” His profound vision of India reflects the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat—a nation united by its rich cultural heritage, spiritual wisdom, and shared aspirations.
A significant part of the lecture focused on Sri Aurobindo's ideas on India's development and its civilisational role. His vision was discussed through seven broad themes — India's spiritual heritage; the development of the whole human being; cultural and intellectual awakening; holistic education; the role of beauty and artistic expression; the integration of tradition with modernity; and India's contribution to humanity.
The lecture emphasised that artists, musicians, dancers, writers and traditional craftspeople play an important role as custodians of the country's cultural memory. In this context, the PM Vishwakarma scheme was cited as an example of government support for traditional artisans through skill development, toolkits, credit and digital incentives.
Puducherry's distinctive cultural character — shaped by its Tamil, French, spiritual and international influences — was highlighted as providing opportunities to connect heritage with education, tourism, livelihoods and international cultural exchange.
The programme also positioned Seva Parv as an initiative that celebrates service, creativity and civic participation. In the cultural sphere, such programmes provide opportunities for artists, students, artisans and institutions to connect creative expression with social responsibility and the wider vision of Viksit Bharat.
IGNCA's Seva Parv activities have included art workshops and programmes exploring the relationship between cultural expression and national development. During the Puducherry programme, awards were presented to selected artists in the field of visual arts, followed by cultural performances showcasing India's artistic traditions.
The programme concluded with a vision of an India that combines economic strength, technological advancement, social inclusion and cultural confidence, while seeking to bring together tradition and innovation, heritage and development, and local identity and global engagement.
