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What Initiatives Has the Indian Government Taken to Support Guru-Shishya Parampara in Performing Arts?

The Guru-Shishya Parampara, an ancient Indian tradition, has been the cornerstone of the Indian performing arts for centuries. This revered teacher-student relationship has played a pivotal role in preserving and passing down the rich cultural heritage of India. Recognizing its significance, the Indian government has undertaken several initiatives to support and promote this tradition in the realm of performing arts. Here, we delve into the various schemes and programs that have been implemented to uphold the Guru-Shishya Parampara.

1. Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)

One of the primary initiatives by the Ministry of Culture is the Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara. This scheme aims to provide financial support to various genres of performing arts activities, including dramatic groups, theatre groups, music ensembles, and children’s theatre. The key features of this scheme include:

• Support for Gurus and Shishyas: Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to one Guru and a maximum of 18 Shishyas in theatre and one Guru and up to 10 Shishyas in music and dance.
• Monthly Stipend: The scheme offers a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 to the Guru and Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 10,000 to each Shishya, depending on the age of the artist.

2. Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture

This comprehensive scheme consists of several components designed to support cultural organizations and promote art and culture across the country. Some components particularly relevant to the Guru-Shishya Parampara include:

• Cultural Function & Production Grant (CFPG): This component provides financial support to NGOs, Societies, Trusts, and Universities for seminars, conferences, research, workshops, festivals, exhibitions, and production of dance, drama, and music.
• Support for National Cultural Organizations: Reputed cultural organizations with a national presence receive financial assistance to disseminate and propagate art and culture through various activities.

3. Scholarship and Fellowship Schemes

The Ministry of Culture also offers scholarship and fellowship programs to encourage and nurture young talent in the field of performing arts:

• Scheme for the Award of Fellowship to Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture: Up to 400 fellowships (200 Junior and 200 Senior) are awarded annually to outstanding individuals in different cultural fields. The fellowship amounts are Rs. 10,000 per month for juniors and Rs. 20,000 per month for seniors for a period of two years.
• Scheme for Scholarships to Young Artistes in Different Cultural Fields: This scheme provides financial assistance to young artists aged 18-25 years for advanced training in various cultural fields, including Indian classical music and dance, theatre, mime, visual art, folk, traditional and indigenous arts, and light classical music. The scholarship amount is Rs. 5,000 per month for two years.

4. Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme by Zonal Cultural Centers (ZCCs)

The Zonal Cultural Centers (ZCCs), established by the Indian government, play a crucial role in promoting and preserving the Guru-Shishya Parampara. The ZCCs are located in various parts of the country and administer several schemes to support this tradition:

• Guru-Shishya Parampara: This specific scheme aims to transmit valued traditions to future generations. Under this scheme, disciples are trained under veteran artists in rare and vanishing art forms. The remuneration for the Guru is Rs. 7,500 per month, Rs. 3,750 per month for the accompanist, and Rs. 1,500 per month for each pupil.
• Research and Documentation: ZCCs undertake research and documentation of vanishing visual and performing art forms to preserve and promote these traditions for posterity.

5. Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM)

The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, organized by the Ministry of Culture through the Zonal Cultural Centers, is a significant initiative aimed at showcasing and promoting India's rich cultural heritage. These festivals provide a platform for artists from all over India to present their talents, thereby encouraging the Guru-Shishya Parampara. The RSMs are instrumental in: