National cultural festival Bombay- January 1989 : Chairman P.C. Alexander

Culture transcends man-made barriers because, basically it is the
spontaneous manifestation of people's shared beliefs, traditions,
perceptions and life-styles. When projected properly as the living
expression of a whole nation, inspired by a true spirit of harmony
and togetherness, it becomes a powerful influence for emotional
integration. What has sustained the many splendoured diversity of
Indian culture has been the organic unity behind it. 'Apna Utsav
is a people's festival aimed at strengthening this great spirit of
unity without seeking uniformity.
I am happy to note that about 500 participants from the seven
constituent units of the South Zone Cultural Centre will be
performing at 14 venues alongwith their colleagues from the rest of
India during the second 'Apna Utsav' which is being held at
Bombay. The main purpose of the Zonal Centres is to give
maximum exposure to common people to a format of culture to
which they can easily relate. The emphasis is, therefore, rightly
on folk and tribal forms of art and handicrafts. Folk, tribal and
ritualistic music and creation of articles of daily use which combine
beauty with utility constitute the core of India's cultural heritage.
Each area however small and remote, has made its own contribution
to this mosaic of Indian culture. Festivals like the present one
provide a great opportunity to artistes and artisans from all over the
country to share in the joy of this heritage.
I have no doubt that the participants in this Festival and the
people of the cosmopolitan city of Bombay will find this a very
rewarding experience.