Calls for digitization of libraries, artist accreditation, stronger cultural engagement in educational institutions
Srinagar : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting of the Central Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages (JKAACL) at Lok Bhavan here.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shri Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary Culture Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Shri Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary JKAACL Ms. Harvinder Kour, noted writer Dr. Satish Vimal, Prof. Bashar Bashir, and Principals of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts of the Universities of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, the Central Committee granted in-principle approval to several important proposals, including continuation of the Calligraphy Course, Annual Plan of Expenditure for the financial year 2026-27 and the design of a new Academy logo incorporating all five official languages of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the Academy to accelerate digitization of all Academy libraries and prepare a comprehensive plan for capacity building of artists and staff members. He also instructed officials to expedite artist accreditation and fill vacant posts at the earliest.
Emphasizing the need to strengthen cultural engagement among youth, the Lieutenant Governor said that the Education, Sports and Culture departments should jointly formulate a comprehensive strategy to promote vibrant cultural activities in schools and colleges across the Union Territory.
He also appreciated the performance of the Culture Academy in the Vande Mataram initiative.
During the meeting, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma presented a detailed report on the recent achievements and activities of JKAACL. The committee was informed that the Academy organized more than 470 events across Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country, engaging over 14,000 artists and writers.
The major events included celebrations related to 150 Years of Vande Mataram, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra, Nukkad Natak under the Nasha Mukt J&K campaign, Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, the birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Constitution Day.
The committee was also informed that the Jammu and Kashmir Tableau emerged as a major attraction during Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on October 31, 2025. It was further highlighted that the J&K Tableau secured second prize at the Republic Day Parade 2026 in New Delhi, marking a historic achievement for the Union Territory after 24 years.
The meeting also reviewed the Action Taken Report of the previous Central Committee meeting held in 2021. On the occasion, a Shina-Urdu dictionary and the Annual Report of the Academy were also released.
