National cultural festival Bombay- January 1989 : Chairman P.C. Alexander
- Thanjavur South Zone Cultural Centre 1990
- V.P.
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.