Jammu: A week lonf g art and culture activities of Viraj Kala Kendra commenced at Viraj Bal Bhavan, Khanpur, Nagrota to commemorate the birth anniversary of Late (Sh.) V R Khajuria a renowned sculptor of the state and writer of two books in Dogri. Nirmal Sharma Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development was the chief guest and Dr. Ruveda Salam, Assistant Commissioner Income Tax Department, Prof. Rita Jitendra,
former Secretary, J& K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages were the guests of honour on this occasion. Susham Sharma, General Secretary was also present in the programme.
Welcoming the guests Raj Bharti, President, Viraj Kalakendra highlighted the activities of the Viraj Kala Kendra which are to be organized during this week long celebrations. Usha Chunni read out the detailed report on the achievements of the Kendra. A cultural programme was presented by the students of Viraj Bal Bhavan and the women folk of the rural area of Khanpur. The value basex cultural included Welcome song, Nursery songs, group songs, Bhajans and a Hindi play based on patriotic theme. The guests appreciated the efforts made by Viraj Kala Kendra to promote and preserve art and culture of the region. It may be mentioned that Viraj Kala Kendra, Jammu, established back in 1992, in the memory of V R Khajuria, an eminent artist of the state, is completing its 25 years of performance. So far the organization has served the masses with social service, promotion and preservation of art and culture of the region. It’s running Viraj Kala Kendra to promote, preserve and provide Viraj Art Gallery free of cast to an artist/ group of artists to display their works. It is also running a school namely Viraj Bal Bhavan at Khanpur meant for the slum
children free of cost of their fees, books and uniform etc. Viraj Kala Kendra has been organizing various art and culture for children, adults and old people. It has also organized many programmes for the people of remote and rural areas. Clay modelling, on the spot painting competitions etc. are the regular annual features of the Kendra. It organizes cultural and social level events frequently. Exhibitions and camps for artists, amateurs have also been organized by the Kendra. This time Viraj Kala Kendra is celebrating its 25 th anniversary and organizing an Art Exhibition at Kala Kendra, Jammu.
