Prime Minister Narendra Modi made remarks on Friday at the presentation ceremony of the inaugural National Creators Award in New Delhi, highlighting the fashion sensibilities depicted in the sculptures of Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple. “Today people think a mini skirt is a sign of modernity and so is a purse hanging from the arms of a woman. If you go to Konark, you will find stone sculptures of women with the same attire on the walls of this centuries-old temple. One can see a sculpture of a mini skirt-wearing girl with her purse hanging from her arm,” he said. Modi emphasized that these depictions, centuries old, underscore the cultural depth and diversity of India, suggesting that such insights could be shared globally.

The event saw the Prime Minister presenting awards in 20 categories, including recognition for storytelling, celebrity creators, and creators driving social change. Expressing confidence in the awards’ potential to catalyze a new era of creativity and inspire youth, Modi envisioned the National Creator Awards as a significant platform for content creators to gain recognition and establish their identity. He hailed the participation of over 2 lakh creative minds, asserting that it not only celebrates individual creativity but also contributes to the nation’s identity. The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored the significance of recognizing and celebrating creativity while harnessing it to shape a brighter future.