The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised a special screening for the release of its documentary film “Kan-Kan Mein Ram” on 23rd July 2025 at INTACH Multipurpose Hall, New Delhi.
The event was graced by the presence of Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Culture and Tourism, Government of India, along with senior officials, scholars, and invited guests.
In his keynote address following the screening, Shri Shekhawat commended INTACH’s authentic research and creative execution, calling the film not only a visual masterpiece but also a cultural compendium of universal values embedded in the Ramayana.
He appreciated how the documentary highlights the Ramayana not just as mythology but as a living tradition that resonates deeply with Indian identity. The Minister also acknowledged INTACH’s pivotal role in India’s ongoing cultural renaissance, citing its four-decade-long legacy in heritage conservation.
Reflecting on his earlier experience in the Jal Shakti Ministry, he lauded INTACH’s significant contribution to the Ganga Cultural Documentation Project, underlining its commitment to understanding and preserving the cultural footprint of India, particularly along the Ganga basin.
The Minister was warmly welcomed by Shri Ashok Singh Thakur, Chairman, INTACH, and Shri Ravindra Singh, IAS (Retd.), Member Secretary, INTACH and other officials of INTACH. Shri Thakur said INTACH’s sphere of work covers a whole range of diverse initiatives in tangible, intangible and natural heritage, as well as work with schools, crafts and publications, to ensure the proper promotion and dissemination of our glorious heritage.
The documentary offers an in-depth look at the various representations of the Ramayana in India, spanning diverse forms such as ritualistic performances, dance-dramas, and puppetry. Notable traditions featured include the Yakshgana and Uppinikudru puppetry of Karnataka, Lanka Podi Yatra and Ravan Chaya in Odisha, Sattriya traditions in Assam, Mewati Bhapang performance, and the Ramnami Samaj in Chhattisgarh.
The film celebrates the cultural diversity and enduring legacy of the Ramayana as seen through the lens of India’s performing arts. The divine idea of ‘Kan-Kan Mein Ram or The Eternal Ram’ is relevant and inspiring for all of humanity, beyond the boundaries of religion, and his divine form connects our collective consciousness.
That is the key message and tone of the film. The film stands as a testament to INTACH’s continued commitment to preserving, understanding, and showcasing the richness and depth of India’s intangible cultural heritage.