Much more needs to be done to preserve folk arts and take them to the younger generation: MP Kanimozhi
MP Kanimozhi discusses the importance of preserving traditional folk arts and the challenges faced by artisans in sustaining their livelihoods. She advocates for greater institutional support to ensure these cultural practices are passed down to younger generations.
Why it matters
The preservation of intangible cultural heritage is a critical issue for maintaining regional identity and supporting the economic stability of traditional artists.
In a conversation with The Hindu , DMK deputy general secretary and Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi speaks about the ‘Neithal’ folk arts festival, the growing audience response, the changing livelihood opportunities of folk artists and the need to preserve traditional art forms and importance of taking them to younger generation.
The lives of many traditional folk artisans are not as vibrant and colourful as most of their performance or music. Many of them continue to struggle for a livelihood, particularly during the non-festival seasons, as several are still dependent on temple festivals. Since you have been organising the ‘Neithal’ folk art festival for the fifth consecutive year, how do you view the financial shifts? Are you seeing more artists travelling abroad for performance?
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