Identify, preserve Guru - Shishya culture; President Patil

New Delhi, July 14 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil called on the Sangeet Natak Akademi to identify and provide assistance to teachers of folk traditions living in penury to preserve the country's rich cultural heritage.

Patil who was speaking after felicitating winners and fellows of Sangeet Natak Akademi awards for the year 2008 here today.

Patil asked the Akademi to identify traditional gurus and teachers of various folk traditions, who are living in poverty, and give them assistance. he said these teachers represent the ancient Guru-Shishya tradition and several gharanas of our country and should be helped.

She also said, acting, theatre and other traditional folk forms should be included in the curriculum of school and institutes of higher learning.

Patil also stressed on the need for a scholarship scheme for talented but poor and needy students and young artists.

Praising the effort of the Akademi for maintaining records of all its writings, collections, scripts and recordings of over 50 years, Pratibha Patil suggested setting up a digital library at the Akademi. (ANI)