Justice for Artists: Restore Grants to Safeguard Sanatana Kala
A salary for artists is not charity—it is justice for those who dedicate their lives to keeping our traditions alive. Thousands of cultural institutions across India depend on repertory and salary grants to support teachers, students, and staff. Yet, without prior notice, the Ministry of Culture has reportedly placed many institutions in a cooling-off period and stopped grants for two years. This sudden action has created serious difficulties, as many institutions had already spent money on salaries, training, and maintaining their activities.
Art and culture are not businesses that can simply bear losses. They are a service to the nation, preserving India’s identity and heritage. Those working in this field are striving to protect and promote Hindu culture and Sanatana Dharma. But how can Sanatana Dharma flourish if Sanatana Kala—our classical arts and traditions—is neglected?
Both state and central governments announce many welfare schemes for the poor and middle class, especially before and after elections. But why are there so few strong schemes and development projects for the welfare of art and culture? Large amounts of money are spent on cultural events through event management agencies yet genuine artists often do not receive opportunities to perform in those programs.
If governments can allocate major budgets for several welfare schemes, why can they not allocate adequate funds to preserve and protect the heart of Indian art and culture? We have already lost many art forms because artists could not sustain themselves financially. At the very least, those who choose art as a career or dedicate themselves to teaching should be supported with dignity and security.
Even in Parliament, there is little representation from the true art fraternity. Sports and cinema personalities often receive opportunities, but why are real performing artists rarely represented under art and culture quotas? Are artists ignored because they are not seen as a vote bank?
The Ministry of Culture, and the leadership of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, should take immediate steps to deliver justice to Indian artists and cultural institutions. Supporting artists means protecting India’s heritage, culture, and future generations.
