New Delhi, December 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the interconnectedness of India’s economic growth with global progress during the inauguration of the first Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023 at the historic Red Fort. Emphasizing India’s emergence as a major world economy, PM Modi stated that the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ opens doors to new opportunities.
Reflecting on India’s rich heritage and cultural appeal, the Prime Minister noted that the nation’s economic prosperity was once a global topic. The event saw the inauguration of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design’ at Red Fort, the student Biennale-Samunnati, and the launch of a commemorative stamp.
PM Modi’s vision includes creating cultural spaces in five cities – Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Varanasi, seen as a historic step to enrich these cities culturally. These centers will promote innovative ideas to enhance local art, emphasizing the importance of incorporating indigenous design into youth study and research.
The IAADB, spanning seven days with seven important themes, aims to promote ‘Deshaj Bharat Design: Indigenous Designs’ and ‘Samatva: Shaping the Built’ as a mission. The Prime Minister urged the continuation of these themes and celebrated the role of women in architecture.
Inaugurating the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design, PM Modi envisioned it as a platform to showcase India’s unique crafts, bringing together artisans and designers to innovate according to market demands. He expressed confidence that, equipped with modern knowledge, Indian craftsmen can make a global impact.
Addressing the importance of art and architecture in India’s cultural upliftment, the Prime Minister highlighted the heritage of Yoga Ayurveda and introduced the Mission LiFE for sustainable living rooted in cultural values.
IAADB is positioned as a significant step towards institutionalizing global cultural initiatives in India, with plans for the International Museum Expo in May 2023 and the Festival of Libraries in August 2023. PM Modi aspires for Indian cultural initiatives to garner recognition alongside renowned global events.
In conclusion, PM Modi stressed the necessity of organizations like IAADB, emphasizing that art and culture play a crucial role in connecting the human mind with its inner self and recognizing its potential. The event was attended by Union Minister for Culture G Kishan Reddy, Union Ministers of State for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal and Meenakshi Lekhi, along with Diana Kellogg, Principal Architect at Diana Kellogg Architects.