The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, under Vinod Tawde, focused on promoting the unique essence of Maharashtra and the identity of the state, fusing this essence into a distinct pride of the state. The Department worked for global recognition of the state’s cultural heritage and promoted tourism and allied occupation in Maharashtra.
With the abundance of literature, performing and fine art bestowed on Maharashtra, the department worked hard to hand over this wealth to the coming generations in the modern-day medium so that they inherit the distinct sense of cultural Maharashtra.
Fort Conservation
Forts, the prestige symbols of the rich historical wealth of our Maharashtra, were, unfortunately, in ruins. The Department of Cultural Affairs, under Vinod Tawde’s leadership, took a keen interest in the preservation and enhancement of these heritage structures. The department, with the help of Fort experts, Historians and Archaeologists had formed a committee that then played an active role in fort conservation by educating the masses and spreading knowledge about its cultural significance. The department also successfully obtained ‘Heritage Structure’ status for several forts across Maharashtra, thereby aiding their conservation.
New Heritage Structure
The Department, in an attempt to conserve our historical legacy for future generations, had granted ‘Heritage Structure’ status to various monuments across the state. This decision was spearheaded by then Minister for Cultural Affairs, Vinod Tawde who took a keen interest in ensuring the conservation of these heritage structures. These monuments included Fort Yashwantgad, Ratnagiri; Fort Mahipatgad, Ratnagiri; Fort Sangandurg, Pune; Fort Gopalgad, Ratnagiri; Fort Mangad, Raigad; Ghodbandar Fort, Thane; Poha Darwaja, Vashim and Payari Well, Amravati.
Promotion of Marathi Film Industry
Paying heed to the demands of the Marathi Film lovers, Vinod Tawd, in his capacity as the minister, urged the Department of Cultural Affairs to intervene with the movie theatres association and mandated primetime slots should also be allotted to Marathi Movies. Additionally, the department worked towards developing Maharashtra as Asia’s leading entertainment city by promoting the film industry and related infrastructural developments. Under Tawde’s leadership, for the first time, Marathi films premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Furthermore, State Film awards were showcased with great pomp and later were telecasted on leading Marathi channels on national television.
Renovation of Sir. J.J School of Arts
Sir. J.J School of Arts in Mumbai is one of the finest and most renowned institutes in our country for formal education in applied and fine arts. Paying heed to the long-standing demand of the teachers and students for necessary renovations and structural upgrades of the college campus, Then Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde sanctioned the renovation work of Dean Bungalow in the college premise. The department, under Tawde’s leadership also had planned on erecting tributary structures as a homage to all renowned artists and their eminent works.
One Window System
With an aim to empower the entertainment industry by cutting short the bureaucracy. Vinod Tawde introduced the ‘One Window Clearance System’ for all official permissions, promoting ease of business in Maharashtra’s entertainment industry. The decision of ‘One Window System’ for production assistance on television series, films, documentaries and infomercials was later sanctioned by the state cabinet. This program promoted ease in the process by providing all required permissions online, at one go. This initiative proved extremely helpful in promoting Maharashtra as the entertainment hub of the nation.
Changing Face of Traditions
The Cultural Affairs Department, under Vinod Tawde, was taking lead towards changing the old traditions and bringing in a new wave of customs that reflect the progressive mindset of the changing time. Modifying the customs of welcoming dignitaries with bouquets of flowers, then Minister for Cultural Affairs Vinod Tawde initiated a new tradition of ‘Book instead of Bouquet’, where the books were used in place of flower bouquets.
Stepping away from the norm where political leaders or state officials presented the award to the recipient, Vinod Tawde initiated that the award is to be presented by the winners of the previous years and the eminent dignitaries of the field, truly honouring the symbolic passing of the prestigious that is associated with the said award.
Advance Payments for State-Sponsored Awards
Prior to Vinod Tawde taking charge of the Cultural Department, major State-Sponsored Awards like the Sahitya Sammellan, Natya Sammellan had to wait months for clearing of the due and gain access to the allocated grant for these awards. In his capacity as the Cultural Affairs Minister, Vinod Tawde ensure all the past dues are immediately cleared and following that, a special GR was released to ensure that the associations responsible for these awards received full payments in advance to organise these events grandly.
