Media has the power to give a new identity to folk culture: Malini Awasthi

New Delhi (8th January): “Preserving folk culture in the era of globalization is a challenging task, but through media, the folk culture has got a new identity,” said noted Folk Singer who has been honoured with Padma Shri, Ms. Malini Awasthi, in 'Friday Dialogue'- a special programme organised on every Friday by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). On this occasion, Additional Director General of IIMC Shri K. Satish Namboodiripad formally welcomed Ms. Awasthi.

Expressing her views on 'Folk Culture and Media', Ms. Awasthi said media has an important role in the preservation and promotion of folk culture. Especially, newspapers have made significant efforts to preserve the folk culture.

Malini Awasthi further said that the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' is embedded in the folk culture of India. She quoted “Hirani and Kaushalya” and explained how Karun episodes are still remembered in festivals through folk songs.

She highlighted the strong values of Indian culture which has countless evidences of scientific temperaments as well. Our ancestors simplified those scientific ideas and adapted them to their lifestyles which is clearly visible in our folk songs, verses and festivals. They have beautifully passed on these values to their younger generations and now it is the responsibility of the youth to follow their culture from the ancestors and keep it thriving.

Ms. Awasthi said the folk culture prevailing in us today is the result of the untiring efforts of our ancestors. Our forefathers have preserved them through traditions and sometimes through folk songs.

The programme was moderated by Ms. Vishnupriya Pandey and Prof.(Dr.) Sangeeta Pranvendra proposed the vote of thanks. IIMC Director General Prof. Sanjay Dwivedi has started a programme titled  'Friday Dialogue' for the students’ interaction with eminent scholars of the country.