Preserving Andhra’s cultural heritage: IGNCA inaugurates 10th Regional Centre in Tirupati

Tirupati: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has inaugurated its tenth Regional Centre in Tirupati.

This marks a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of India’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Established in collaboration with the National Sanskrit University, Tirupati, the new centre aims to serve as a dynamic hub for research, documentation, and dissemination of Vaishnava Agama and other architectural traditions of India. Additionally, it will actively engage with the region’s diverse cultural heritage, which is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and historical essence of Tirupati.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan conveyed his best wishes for the newly inaugurated Regional Centre.

Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, an eminent scholar and renowned Bharatanatyam exponent, graced the function as Chief Guest. Also present were Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, and Prof. G.S.R. Krishna Murthy, Vice Chancellor of the National Sanskrit University, Tirupati. Their presence underscored the significance of this collaboration in fostering cultural scholarship.

Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam described the new Regional Centre in Tirupati as the tenth arm of IGNCA, highlighting its vital role in the decentralization and efficient management of cultural documentation and research. She commended IGNCA for its unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich heritage.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi expressed gratitude and joy on this momentous occasion. He reiterated IGNCA’s role as a premier institution dedicated to the documentation and research of India’s diverse artistic traditions, including Shastriya traditions, folk and tribal art forms, manuscripts, and visual arts.

He emphasized the importance of focused studies on Andhra Natyam, a classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh, and acknowledged the region’s rich artistic traditions, including the craftsmanship of Pochampally toys.

He also highlighted the integration of modern technologies at the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design’ (ABCD), where traditional artisans are innovating to sustain their crafts while balancing tradition with modernity.

Dr. Joshi further underscored IGNCA’s contributions to national cultural initiatives, including its involvement in the artwork of the New Parliament and the installation of the world’s tallest ‘Ashtadhatu Nataraja’ sculpture at Bharat Mandapam, crafted using traditional techniques. With over 600 publications, including the distinguished journal Kalakalpa, IGNCA continues to play a crucial role in the cultural and intellectual landscape of India.

The Tirupati centre joins IGNCA’s existing Regional Centres across the country, including those in Thrissur, which focuses on Vedic Studies; Vadodara, which undertakes conservation and research on modern, contemporary, and tribal art forms; Goa, which is dedicated to Intercultural Traditions; and Varanasi, which delves into Shaiva traditions. Recognizing the significance of Rashtriya Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Dr. Joshi also emphasized the role of information technology in skill enhancement and the introduction of short-term applied courses. He concluded by reaffirming IGNCA’s commitment to expanding its outreach, engaging wider audiences, and fostering cultural discourse.