Towards a cultural Policy

There is growing recognition today of the gross inadequacy of planning for economic development without relating it to definite cultural objectives. In the absence of clearly defined cultural goals economic growth often leads to mindless consumerism. An imaginatively drawn cultural policy, besides accelerating economic development by introducing structural reforms and value transformations in the society, can contribute to the richness and fullness of life of the people. Gross national product and per capita income, it is now evident, are not true indicators of human welfare. If economic development is aimed at improving the quality of life in the country, it must be linked to specific cultural goals.
To consider these issues in the specific context of India, a seminar was organized by the Indian Institute of Advanced Study in June 1972. An inter disciplinary group of scholars, specialists working in diverse cultural fields, and practitioners of the arts took stock of the cultural situation in the country, analytically examined the emerging trends, and endeavoured to evolve the broad outlines of a cultural policy for India.

The discussions at the seminar and the statement issued at its concluding session evoked considerable interest. English as well as Indian language newspapers gave them wide coverage and several periodicals editorially commented on the outcome of the seminar. The comments were generally favourable, but the venture was viewed with dismay and even alarm in some quarters. Later, the theme paper, major addresses delivered at the inaugural session, and the concluding statement were widely distributed to universities, cultural and scientific organizations, trade unions, and interested individuals.