Press Release

Release of INTACH Documentary Film "Kan-Kan Mein Ram" by the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat - 23^rd July 2025

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, Hon’ble Minister for Culture and Tourism, Government of India, along with senior officials, scholars, and invited guests. The Hon’ble 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. Sh. 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.

In his remarks to the gathering after the screening of the film, the Hon’ble Minister noted with appreciation the efforts of the INTACH team and the filmmakers in presenting the story of the Ramayana as a historical and cultural narrative, and a living tradition that binds the entire country with its universal message. He also stressed on how the years of hard work and authentic research has formalized into a visual document in the form of the 'Kan-Kan Mein Ram' film which was screened. He noted that it is not just a visual treat but a compendium incorporating universal emotions and a connect with the greatest epic of mankind.

He remarked that India is undergoing a period of cultural renaissance in which organisations like INTACH play a pivotal role. He elaborated that given INTACH’s four decades of experience in the cultural heritage field in India, it has consistently delivered authentic and quality work. He mentioned that when he was in the Jal Shakti Ministry, he had already seen the capability and output of INTACH in delivering excellent work in a stipulated time period, in the form of the Ganga Cultural Documentation project. INTACH has played a major role in understanding the cultural footprint of India, be it in the affected areas of the river Ganga or in the entire Ganga basin.