ROLE OF CULTURE IN LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A Presentation By:
Mr. Bharat Dangar Mayor, Vadodara City (Gujarat), INDIA
IN FOCUS
The Cultural Capital of Gujarat. Being Projected as Global Cultural Hub.
Vadodara, also known as the Sanskari Nagari (Cultural Capital) of Gujarat, is one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities. Owing to the vision of the Gaekwads, subsequent industrialization, propagation of academic activities and a strategically important geographical location, Vadodara has welcomed a wide variety of people from all over India and the globe.
The city of Vadodara has a vibrant history related to art and architecture. Since the era of the royal Gaekwad family, it has been a hub of arts and literature. It was for this that the title ‘Kala Nagari (City of Arts) ’ was conferred on the city. Known for its culture, history and monuments, Vadodara is an important educational and commercial centre.
The People & Culture The People of Baroda like to tell visitors that their city is a ‘Sanskari Nagari’, that is, the “Cultured City”. The city does indeed have rich cultural traditions. And today’s Barodians have quite a full and hectic cultural life throughout the year. The outstanding trait about Baroda’s cultural life is that it is remarkably cosmopolitan. And while there are hundreds of different identities, everyone participates in all activities. So, the culture of the city is not just history or heritage; it is dynamic, ever-changing and alive.
Festivals of
Vadodara
Navratri The festival of nine nights during Navratri witnesses fervent activities by the young eager to prance around the garba grounds till the wee hours. The city lights up to the tunes of the folk singers who belt away garba songs all night as revelers perform the garba.
Diwali The most awaited festival for all citizens to mark the celebration of New Year as per the Hindu Calendar.
Uttrayan The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm for 2-3 days in the city. Mornings are meant for kites & delicious food while evenings are reserved for fire cracker shows and party.
Ganesh Chaturthi Festival of kite flying when entire city seems to have shifted to the roof or the terraces.
Eid Muslim community along with the other people enjoy this festival of Ramazan Eid. The city’s bazaar is buzzing during 30-day fasting month.
Vadodara being a cosmopolitan city almost all the festivals are celebrated with great rejoicing friendly disposition of people make all celebrations so very special.
Heritage of
Vadodara
Vadodara – a city that celebrates life in Gujarat State. It presents a perfect panorama of spectacular castles, beautiful architecture, attractive art and world old heritage having brick walled spaces, candy coloured buildings, long bridges, hilly vistas & cozy river side eateries.
Lukhsmi Vilas Palace
Once a Pensioner’s paradise – Now a bustling urban centre Smart city with culture finely weaved in its fabric
The Smart City concept has created a buzz in India with PM Narendra Modi’s Government putting it high on development agenda.
Civic Cultural Initiatives
Fun Street § During this event, major road connecting city was blocked for few hours.. § Citizens could freely move on open roads and do outdoor activities. § Various activities like Zumba, yoga sessions, skating, football, laughter club sessions, fitness sessions were planned
Vad Fest § VadFest 2015: One of India’s biggest international multi-arts, multi-venue culture festivals. § 50 events were organized at 15 venues during 4 day festival. § Internationally famous singers like Yaani, AR Rehman were invited in the city. § Legends from across India and around the world graced the cityscape for a fabulous four day celebration of art, music, dance, drama, culture, food and a special kids’ theater fest.
Navratri Fest § Vadodara is globally renowned for its Navratri Festival. § United Way of Baroda, Vadodara Navratri Festival , Aarkee, Maa Shakti are few among the many fests that attracts thousands of people.
§ It’s a 10 day celebration that is ended with special theatrical play of Ramayana. § Handicrafts fair, clothing exhibition, food festivals are organized during this 10-day extravaganza.
Kite Fest § Grand Kite Festivals are organized during the festival of Uttrayan § Globally renowned Kite enthusiasts are invited to showcase their talent § Kites of different shapes and sizes adorn the sky during the festival. § Cultural Dance & Food Festivals are organized in parallel manner.
Dahi Haandi Fest § A new initiative by the government § Organized during the Festival of Janmashtami
Rangoli Exhibitions § More than 3-4 grand rangoli exhibitions are organized during the festive season of Diwali § Rangoli artist from all around the state are invited to showcase their talent § Artists are sponsored by corporate houses and brands
Food Festivals § Annual Food Festivals are organized during festive season § Many Restaurants also organize national and international cuisine based food festivals § Street Food Festivals are also organized § Chefs from all around the nation as well as abroad are invited § Décor is specifically arranged
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Heritage Sites / The Civic administration has initiated Tourism several activities to restore heritage sites.
§ Champaner in Vadodara has been recognized as World Heritage Site. § Parks & Palaces have undergone restoration & renovation § World’s Largest Statue (182 mts) is about to be constructed in Vadodara.
Economic Benefits to City due to Cultural and Heritage Tourism § Injected new money into the economy, boosting businesses and tax revenues § Created new jobs, businesses, events and attractions, thus helping diversify the local economy § Supported small businesses and enables them to expand § Promoted the active preservation and protection of important local resources § Built vital relationships among and within local communities § Helped encourage the development and maintenance of new/ existing community amenities
Environmental Benefits to City due to Cultural &Heritage Tourism § Helped encourage a culture of preservation § Enhanced awareness of the tourist site, attraction or area’s significance § Helped encourage local residents and visitors to be mindful about their impact on the natural and built environment
Source: Simon Thurley, Into the future. Our stategy for 2005-‐2010. In: Conserva)on Bulle)n [English Heritage], 2005 (49).
Socio-economic Impacts of Culture Valued Socio-Economic Component Social Cohesion
Innovation and Creativity
Education
Issue § §
Intercultural orientation vs. Xenophobia Integration of disabled persons or refugees
Social relevance of new, unfamiliar ideas Opportunity for start-up firms Propensity to entrepreneurial risk Artistic models for the development or 'testing' of new products and services § Individualist vs. collectivist cultural perspectives on education § Capacity and knowledge building § Intercultural education § § § §
Socio-economic Impacts of Culture Valued Socio-Economic Component
Wellbeing and Health
Economic Influences
Communication and interactions
Society and social behaviour
Issue § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § § §
Psychological general wellbeing Prevention and therapy effectiveness Welfare costs Family cohesion & relationships between youth and elders Health beliefs: medical treatments vs. spiritual interventions Business competitiveness through innovation Creative and cultural industries Tourism and attractiveness of destinations Cultural resources as driver for growth and employment opportunities Cultural sponsorship and patronage Languages Cultural beliefs and behaviour Minorities and their legacy enhancing understanding and capacity for action; creating and retaining identity; modifying values and preferences for collective choice; building social cohesion; contributing to integrated community development; fostering civic participation
“The creative economy –which includes audiovisual products, design, new media, performing arts, publishing and visual arts– is not only one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the world economy, it is also a highly transformative one in terms of income generation, job creation and export earnings. While creating jobs, creative economy contributes to the overall well-being of communities, individual self-esteem and quality of life, thus achieving inclusive and sustainable development”
Source: UNCTAD Global Database on CreaQve Economy
“Culture is both a driver and an enabler of human and sustainable development. It empowers people to take ownership of their own development, and stimulates the innovation and creativity which can drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” Helen Clark, Administrator of UNDP
Source: UNCTAD Global Database on CreaQve Economy
Future Plans • Crocodile Park • Converting Lukhsmi Vilas Palace as Heritage Hotel • Periphery developments of Pavagadh area • Jambugodha • Emphasis on Tribal Development • Handicrafts Fair
Thank You!