Union Culture & Tourism Minister  Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Releases INTACH Documentary “Kan-Kan Mein Ram” in New Delhi

Delivering the keynote address following the screening,  Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praised the documentary as a “visual masterpiece” and commended INTACH for its meticulous research and creative interpretation. He stated that “Kan-Kan Mein Ram” is not just a film but a cultural compendium that presents the universal values embedded in the Ramayana in a compelling and relatable manner. According to the Minister, the film highlights how the Ramayana is not only revered as a mythological epic but also lives vibrantly as a cultural tradition deeply rooted in India’s diverse regions.

 Shekhawat further acknowledged the pivotal role that INTACH has played in conserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage over the past four decades. Drawing from his previous tenure in the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Minister recalled INTACH’s significant contribution to the Ganga Cultural Documentation Project. He lauded the organisation’s commitment to preserving the cultural narrative of India, particularly along the sacred river’s basin, which holds immense historical and spiritual significance.

Welcoming the Minister,  Ashok Singh Thakur, Chairman of INTACH, expressed gratitude for the government’s continued support in strengthening heritage conservation efforts across the country. He was joined by  Ravindra Singh, IAS (Retd.), Member Secretary of INTACH, and other key officials of the organisation. Thakur highlighted INTACH’s wide-ranging initiatives across tangible, intangible, and natural heritage. He noted that INTACH’s work includes collaborations with schools, documentation of traditional crafts, and publication projects—all aimed at preserving and disseminating India’s rich cultural legacy.

The documentary “Kan-Kan Mein Ram” delves into the diverse performative interpretations of the Ramayana across India. It captures ritualistic and theatrical representations of Lord Ram’s life and teachings as expressed through dance-dramas, puppetry, folk performances, and devotional traditions. Among the various art forms featured in the film are the Yakshagana and Uppinakudru puppetry of Karnataka, the Lanka Podi Yatra and Ravana Chhaya shadow puppetry from Odisha, the monastic Sattriya traditions of Assam, the Mewati Bhapang musical style, and the spiritual practices of the Ramnami Samaj in Chhattisgarh.

The film’s core message centers around the timeless and universal relevance of the idea “Kan-Kan Mein Ram”—The Eternal Ram. It explores how Lord Ram’s divine presence is reflected in every aspect of life and creation, transcending religious boundaries and evoking a shared spiritual consciousness among people of all backgrounds. The documentary affirms that the values depicted in the Ramayana—dharma (duty), compassion, and truth—continue to guide and inspire humanity even today.

“Kan-Kan Mein Ram” stands as a significant addition to INTACH’s ongoing commitment to the preservation and promotion of India’s intangible cultural heritage. By bringing together scholarship, artistic expression, and cinematic excellence, the film reinforces the message that India’s cultural identity is both ancient and ever-evolving.