Annual report - Ministry Of Culture

the finest creative minds in the literary, performing
and visual arts. Through the institution of prestigious
awards such as those bestowed by the Sahitya
Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi and Sangeet Natak
Akademi, the Ministry aims to recognise excellence
achieved in these fields. The seven Zonal Cultural
Centres under the Ministry involve themselves in
activities focussed on the folk and traditional arts of
the country.
The Ministry has a major responsibility in furthering
and preserving knowledge. It is the custodian of the
major libraries of the country. The National Library,
an institution of national importance, and a subordinate
office of the Ministry, has as one of its main functions,
the acquisition and conservation of all significant books
and publications in the country. The Ministry extends
grant-in-aid for development of libraries and is also
responsible for development of policies in the area.
Through the National Archives of India, Ministry is
responsible for maintenance of archival records of
the country. The Anthropological Survey of India, a
premier research institute under the Ministry carries
out research into the socio-cultural and biological
aspects of India’s population.
The promotion of Buddhist and Tibetan Culture is
done by the Ministry through its institutions at Sarnath,
Releasing of a book
“Monuments of Delhi” by
Hon’ble Prime Minister
ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011 3
Varanasi and Leh. The Ministry spearheads activities
for propagating the life, mission and thoughts of
Mahatma Gandhi through the Gandhi Smriti Darshan
Samiti and is in charge of commemorating important
historical events and centenaries of great Indian
personalities.
The Ministry has a very well planned capacity building
program for those who want to excel in the field of
Indian and Asian Art and Culture. Programmes and
courses offered by the School of Archaeology, School
of Archives, National Museum Institute of History
and Art, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian
Studies, and various courses offered by National School
of Drama and Kalakshetra Foundation are some of
the examples of capacity building program of the
Ministry.
The Ministry is making its international presence felt
through the bilateral cultural exchange programmes
entered into with various countries, through which
Festivals of India and exhibitions showcasing Indian
culture have been taken abroad. The Ministry of
Culture is also responsible for implementation of
various UNESCO conventions in the field of Culture.
This Annual Report attempts to highlight in detail the
activities and achievements of this Ministry in fulfilling
its objectives.