Felicitating winners of Kala Utsav-2015, Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Zubin Irani said all students should have 'One Aim, One Life, under One constitution and the one Nation'.
Expressing her sincere thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Irani said he had dedicated 'Kala Utsav' to nation with a vision of promoting national integration and preserving our cultural heritage by associating students with it.
She also extended thanks to all teachers, parents and state governments who inspired and motivated students to participate in 'Kala Utsav'.
She reiterated her earlier call to participants that they would go back with spirit of cooperation and brotherhood although they came here with a competitive spirit.
Irani expressed her confidence that India can prove its leadership on the global front in the field of cultural heritage, as it has established its supremacy in science and technology as well.
She saluted all jury members who in their own right are experts in the field of art and culture and added that the Kala Utsav provides a national platform to express artistic talents to those who until now lagged behind because of non-availability of any such platform despite having necessary talents.
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Paying homage to Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar whose death anniversary was observed yesterday, she said that dedication to arts with the feeling of national integration as has been displayed during Kala Utsav will be a true tribute to him.
Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi felicitating participants said that if the power of art, artists and children of the nation comes together, India's daughters will not only be saved and educated, but won't be behind any other daughter in the world.
Kala Utsav-2015 was founded upon theme of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao'.
Famous dance exponent Sonal Mansingh said that one should not compromise with one's self respect while facing challenges of life and should channelise all the creative energy to achieve one aim in a life.
Irani gave away national prizes for 'Kala Utsav-2015' in four categories - visual arts, music, theatre and dance.
Under the visual arts category, the first prize was bagged by Andman and Nicobar Islands, the second jointly by Delhi and Haryana, and the third prize by Tamil Nadu.
Under the music category, the first prize was won by Delhi, the second by Chattisgarh and the third jointly by Assam and Maharashtra.
Under the theatre category, Haryana, Assam and Maharashtra won the first, second and third prizes respectively.
Under the dance category, Assam, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Karnataka won the first, second and third prizes respectively.
First prize, Second prize and Third prize carry cash component of Rs. 1,25,000/- , Rs. 75,000/- , Rs. 50,000/- respectively for each of the above mentioned categories.
Stuti Singh Parihar from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, was given a prize for a national-level logo design.