SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the three day long Amrit Yuva Kalotsav, organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, at Tagore Hall, Srinagar on Tuesday.
The festival of music, dance, and drama commemorates the 75 years of India’s Independence.
In his address on the occasion, the Lt Governor commended the endeavors of Sangeet Natak Akademi and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages for providing a platform to young artists from across the country to showcase their talents.
He said the young artists from different states and UTs are getting an opportunity to fill crores of souls with their performances.
“Music, dance, theater are not merely art forms, but these are the keys that open all the locks of vast existence and tremendous possibilities of life,” LG Sinha said.
“Artists are the real treasure and pride of the country, and the wealth they possess cannot be equated with any material wealth. In different art forms, one can have a glimpse of existence and realize the mystic path of life,” he observed.
He acknowledged the immense contribution of the artists in weaving many sects, customs, religion, culture, language, and social systems in the garland of unity and spreading its fragrance in every corner of the world.
“The biggest feature of our culture is its continuity. Many cultures, civilizations of the world have either disappeared or with time they were weakened. However, despite all the challenges and attacks, the Indian culture is not only flourishing but its roots have become stronger,” he said.
At the inaugural event, the Lt Governor shared the constant efforts being made to pass on the rich cultural legacy of India to the younger generation.
“Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amrit Yuva Kalotsav reflects society’s aspirations and motivates the young generation to move forward in the journey of Amrit Kaal with a new vigor, new dreams, determination, and commitment to nation-building,” the Lt Governor said.
The biggest strength of our culture is unity in diversity. In order to strengthen this diversity, to bring states, cultures, languages, artists, youth closer to each other, the Prime Minister had started the mission of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’ he added.
“I am really proud that different states of the country have come closer, geographical distances have disappeared, and people are taking an interest in each other’s food habits, culture, language, and lifestyle. The culture of different parts of the nation together makes a stronger, vibrant, and incredible India,” Sinha said.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor said, “there has to be a fine balance between science and music, only then the consciousness of the society will bloom, only then the nation will be able to progress.”
The mind and consciousness of society both are born out of art. Consciousness is deeply embedded in poetry, music, and different forms of art. No matter how developed a society is, no matter to what extent artificial intelligence is influencing our lives, it will be incomplete without art, Sinha observed.
He said the sensibility of the artists is absolutely pure, as pure as the mind of a small child.
When such artists rise up and start connecting hearts through programs like Amrit Yuva Kalotsav, then their generosity, their tolerance, their spirit of philanthropy, austerity, sacrifice, and spiritual practice contribute to the rapid progress of the nation, and no force in the world can stop the prosperity of such a society, he added.
Sinha also highlighted the endeavors of the UT Administration for the revival of old Crafts of Jammu Kashmir like Namda and the initiatives taken for the training of the artisans.
Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson, Sangeet Natak Akademi, shared the efforts of the Akademi to promote the art and culture of Jammu Kashmir. She informed that the Sangeet Natak Akademi will organize a workshop on Bhand-Pather across the country.
Sujit Singh, DIG; Bharat Singh Manhas, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages; Raju Das, Secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademi; renowned artists, prominent citizens, and youth were present on the occasion. (KNO)
