Dear Friends,

Yesterday I had the opportunity to present the Pandit Omkarnath Thakur Samman to renowned classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj and to Pandit Rajan and Sajan Mishra. I presented the Tanariri Award to Kishori Amonkar and Begum Parveen Sultana as well. It was wonderful to have these great musicians in our midst and honour them on behalf of the people of Gujarat.

Indian music is unique and it has established its identity across the world. Our historical texts and ancient works are a rich source for Indian classical music. From our classical vocalists to world-renowned instrumentalists to Bollywood and beyond, the world has recognized the vastness of our music.

I firmly believe that cultural and artistic freedoms are the cornerstones of a vibrant society. No society can call itself developed if they do not give their creative minds complete freedom to express their creativity.

Art and literature should never be dependent on the State. As Governments, our role is to promote and popularize, not curtail and influence art and literature.