Establishment of 'National Arts Council' took place at the 'Kalakar Samasya Sammelan' held at North Central Zone Cultural Centre on Sunday.
Organised by Kathak Kendra, the conference witnessed the confluence of renowned artistes with the star attraction being Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj who has been appointed as the patron of the Council.
Urmila Sharma, director of Kathak Kendra, has been appointed as the chairman of the national executive committee.
The head office of the council will be at Allahabad while its branch office will be set up at Delhi which will be under the supervision of Deepak Maharaj, son of Pandit Birju Maharaj. National level committee will be announced within a month.
Speaking on the occasion, Pandit Birju Maharaj said, Allahabad and Handia will get a new lease of life and now both the places will be identified as the centres of Kathak very soon.
State Environment Minister Ujjwal Raman Singh, invited as the special guest, said the state government would extend its full support to the artistes and see to it that they didn't have to suffer on account of any financial crunch.
"We will always help the artistes if they come to us with any of their problems," he added.
Earlier on Saturday, the Kathak maestro inaugurated the new auditorium of Kendra. MP Rewati Raman Singh, invited as special guest said, the city has registered its name as being the foremost in every field whether it is politics, literature, education or journalism.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier on Saturday, the Kathak maestro inaugurated the new auditorium of Kendra. MP Rewati Raman Singh, invited as special guest said, the city has registered its name as being the foremost in every field whether it is politics, literature, education or journalism.
{{/usCountry}}"Birju Maharaj is already associated with Allahabad which has made it add yet another feather to its cap," he added. Singh also invited Birju Maharaj to participate in the Triveni Mahotsav for which the artiste agreed.
Prof Rajen Harshe, Vice Chancellor, Allahabad University, said it will be an attempt on his part to bring back the lost glory of the university. A cultural event was also organised afterwards.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Urmila Sharma, director of Kathak Kendra and welcome speech was given by Harinarayan Mishra, convener.