President Abdul Hamid today called upon the guardians to inspire their children to engage in cultural practices alongside their academic activities.

"Everyone should come forward to nurture and develop healthy culture. I call upon the guardians to encourage your children in cultural practices alongside the academic activities. Because, practice of good qualities plays an important role in the development of human values, patriotism, liberation war and non-communal spirit."

He said this while delivering his speech as the chief guest at Shilpakala Padak 2018 awarding ceremony.

"No one is born with culture. Culture has to be achieved through continuous practice. A cultured person can never do harm to society. Therefore, to overcome the filthiness of society, culture has to be used as a tool," he also said.

Terming culture as a tool for preventing social degradation, the President said, "Development of culture is very important for eradicating militancy, fundamentalism and hatred from society. "

"An enlightened society can build a humane society, and ensure the desired prosperity and welfare of a country and nation," he also said.

"There have been many changes in society with the passage of time. It also touches the culture. For the expansion of satellite culture, the culture of foreign countries is entering into our own culture."

The President also urged all to shun the mentality of taking everything from foreign culture.

He said,"You have to take as much asit is relevant to our culture and heritage. Everything which is unnecessary, foreign and bad culture must be abhorred."

Seven personalities received 'Shilpakala Padak 2018' for their contributions to their respective fields.

They are - Goura Gopal Haldar (vocal), Sunil Chandra Das (instrumental), M Hamid (dramatics), Mina Barua (folklore), Alokesh Ghosh (fine arts), Shukla Sarkar (dance) and Jayanta Chattopadhyay (recitation).

State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid was present as special guest while additional secretary Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal chaired the event.

BSA director Liaquat Ali Lucky delivered the welcome speech at the event.

Each awardee got a gold medal, a cheque for Tk 1 lakh and a certificate.