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The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) recently unveiled its latest documentary, “Kan-Kan Mein Ram,” at a special screening event held at the INTACH Multipurpose Hall in the national capital. The occasion brought together scholars, cultural historians, government dignitaries, and art enthusiasts to witness a cinematic tribute to the living tradition of the Ramayana as experienced across India’s diverse regions.
The event was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Culture and Tourism, Government of India, who attended as the chief guest. Also present were Shri Ashok Singh Thakur, Chairman of INTACH; Shri Ravindra Singh, IAS (Retd.), Member Secretary of INTACH; and several senior members and affiliates.
“A Cultural Film with a Contemporary Lens”
“Kan-Kan Mein Ram,” which translates to “Ram in Every Particle,” explores the myriad ways in which the epic of the Ramayana continues to live, breathe, and inspire communities across India. The documentary focuses on rituals, performance arts, and oral traditions, presenting the Ramayana not as a static mythological tale but as a dynamic, lived reality that evolves over time.
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Key traditions and performance styles featured include:
– Yakshagana and Uppinakudru Puppetry from Karnataka
– Ravan Chhaya shadow puppetry and Lanka Podi Yatra from Odisha
– Sattriya performance practices from Assam
– Mewati Bhapang musical storytelling
– Ramnami Samaj recitations and tattoos in Chhattisgarh
The film journeys across geography, language, and performance genres, weaving together India’s pluralistic interpretations of Lord Rama’s story—each rooted in a distinct regional identity yet collectively bound by shared moral and spiritual values.
“Minister Hails INTACH’s Role in Cultural Renaissance”
In his keynote address after the screening, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praised INTACH for producing a film that is both a visual masterpiece and a philosophical exploration of India’s intangible heritage. He noted that the documentary “transcends religious interpretations to illuminate universal human values of devotion, duty, justice, and compassion as depicted in the Ramayana.”
The Minister emphasized that the idea of “Kan-Kan Mein Ram” is a metaphor for collective consciousness, highlighting the importance of such cultural expressions in reinforcing national identity. He further highlighted INTACH’s broader contributions, recalling its instrumental role in the Ganga Cultural Documentation Project during his tenure in the Jal Shakti Ministry.
“INTACH’s Expansive Cultural Mission”
In his welcome remarks, Shri Ashok Singh Thakur, Chairman of INTACH, spoke of the organization’s multifaceted role in heritage conservation—spanning built, natural, and intangible cultural domains. He shared that INTACH’s activities extend to education, craft revival, publications, and community-based projects, ensuring cultural knowledge is not only preserved but passed forward to younger generations.
Shri Ravindra Singh, Member Secretary, added that the film is part of INTACH’s long-standing mission to document and disseminate traditional knowledge systems, many of which remain underrepresented in mainstream discourse.
“Celebrating India’s Living Heritage”
The release of “Kan-Kan Mein Ram” marks a key moment in India’s cultural documentation movement, especially in the context of intangible heritage. Unlike historical archives that focus on monuments and relics, this film emphasizes people-centric traditions—the lived, performed, and embodied practices that keep the Ramayana alive in every village and devotee’s heart.
By showcasing how communities engage with the Ramayana through music, drama, puppetry, dance, and oral poetry, the film reinforces the idea that Lord Rama is not confined to temple idols or ancient manuscripts but resides in daily lives, memories, and performances of millions.
“A Testament to INTACH’s Vision”
This cinematic initiative reaffirms INTACH’s stature as one of India’s leading heritage organizations, active for over four decades in safeguarding the nation’s rich cultural legacy. The film stands as both an educational resource and a spiritual exploration, appealing to scholars, students, and general audiences alike.
As the screening concluded, guests shared emotional reflections, with many calling it a “moving, multidimensional portrayal of India’s soul.” The documentary is now slated for national broadcasts, academic screenings, and inclusion in cultural festivals and educational curricula.
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