Kishtwar : The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with District Administration Kishtwar on Saturday organized a Cultural Festival here at Chowgan Ground. The Festival was a part of the series of Cultural Festivals being organized by the Academy across Jammu and Kashmir by JKAACL.
The programme was presided over by Bharat Singh Manhas, Secretary JKAACL and Additional District Development Commissioner Kishtwar Sham Lal was the Chief Guest.
Other dignitaries present in the programme were Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Kishtwar, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Kishtwar, Tehsildar Kishtwar, Chief Education Officer Kishtwar, Executive Officer Municipal Committee Kishtwar, besides many Prominent Personalities of the area, a large gathering of people from all walks of life and Students of various Schools witnessed the programme.
In his address, Secretary JKAACL stressed upon the promotion and preservation of Local Culture of the different areas of the Jammu and Kashmir through organizing such types of programs with special focus on youth, so that the local folk artists take the opportunity to showcase their art forms in a better way. He thanked people of Kishtwar for their overwhelming participation in the programme and assured that many more such types of events shall be held in Chenab Valley in coming days.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Guest ADDC Kishtwar commended the efforts of JKAACL for promoting and showcasing the local art at such far flung areas of District Kishtwar. He emphasized the holding of more events in the District which can play a major role in promoting communal harmony, preservation of the age-old culture of the respective areas. He hoped that JKAACL under the able guidance of Bharat Singh Manhas, Secretary will come up with more events in future too.
Earlier the programme was started with the Welcome Action Song by Students of Govt. Hr. Sec. School (Girls) Kishtwar, Kashmiri Rouf, presented by Ifra Khan and Group followed by the dogri Folk Song/Dance, Paddari Sheni Dance and other Dance performances by students of Govt. Hr. Sec. School (Boys) Kishtwar. Singing performance of various renowned singers also enthralled the audience by their magical voice which includes Chaman Lehri, Farooq Soaib Kandu, Toqeer Ali etc.
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was seamlessly integrated into the program, with the IEC Van making its presence felt by screening the PM message on Viksit Bharat.
The One Day Cultural Festival culminated with the formal Vote of Thanks by Slah-ud-Din, Cultural Officer JKAACL.
