Kashmir incomplete without KPs: Dr Farooq

NEW DELHI: The 3-day long Festival of Jammu and Kashmir in the premises of India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi came to musical ending this evening amidst magnificent folk performances by the artists of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
With a view to showcase the cultural diversity and to inculcate state’s consciousness amongst the people of the country and to bring about cultural cohesion, the Festival was organized by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in association with India international Centre( IIC ).
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah who was the chief guest on the concluding day of the Festival got so mesmerized that he started singing with the performers “ Hum Hoon Ge Kamyab Ek Din….”.
The Minister for Tourism and Culture J&K, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Commissioner /Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Atal Dulloo, Incharge Resident Commissioner, Mr. A.M. Bhat, Director Information, Kh. Farooq Renzushah, Director IIC, Dr. Kavita Sharma, Senior IIC members, Senior Officers of State and Central Government besides galaxy of intellectuals were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abdullah hoped that the days are not far when the valley will again flourish and sing the age-old sagas depicting brotherhood and communal amity when the Kashmiri Pandits(KPs) will return to their home land as Kashmir is incomplete without the presence of the Kashmiri Pandits.
He appreciated the tireless and sincere efforts being put forth by the organizers for making the Jammu and Kashmir Festival a grand success. He also lauded the goodwill gesture of the management of IIC for extending every support to this event.
Dr. Abdullah said that such festivals symbolize unity in diversity beside provide a common platform to the people of all walks irrespective of cast colour and creed to interact with each other and share their culture and traditions which further help in strengthening the bonds of brother hood and communal harmony. He had all praise for the artists for their fabulous folk performances during the festival.
Earlier, as a part of the festival, a seminar on Cultural Heritage of Kashmir was also organized in the seminar Hall of IIC where Member of Parliament, Dr. Karan Singh presided.
During the seminar, detailed deliberations were held on the diverse heritage of the state which mainly include Cultural Heritage of Jammu and Kashmir: conservation and Mapping by the Convener, INTACH, Mr. Saleem Beg, and Archeological Treasures of Jammu and Kashmir by former ADG ,Archeological Survey of India, Dr. R.C. Aggarwal.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Karan Singh said that Jammu & Kashmir state has rich and diverse heritage represented in monuments, vernacular buildings, forts, religious as well as secular buildings. He stressed the need for conservation and documentation of such monuments in a efficient manner. For the purpose he sought the cooperation of different agencies for this noble cause.
Another highlight of the day was a Mushaira which was highly appreciated by the audience. The poets of repute who presented their poetic verses include Prof. Hamid Kashmiri, Arsh Sehbhai, Betab Jaipuri, Pritpal Singh Betab, Refeeq Raz, Farooq Nazaki, Hamdam Kashmiri, Dr. Zaman Azoorda, Muzafar Eraj, Vidya Rattan and Balraj Bakshi.
Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary, J&K, Mr. Madhav Lal also visited IIC and took stock of all arrangements pertaining to the festival. He had a round of different stalls put in by various agencies and interacted with the artisans. Mr. Madhav Lal accompanied by Commissioner/secretary, Tourism, Mr. Atal Dulloo, Incharge Resident Commissioner, Mr. A.M. Bhat and other senior officers also witnessed Photo Exhibition Jointly organized by J&K Information and Tourism Departments in the premises of IIC.
The main attractions of the 3-day festival were art and photo exhibition, screening of films by Information Department, seminars on cultural heritage and environment of the state, mushaira, folk dances, theatre performances traditional songs and dances, demonstration by artisans, Sufiana Kalams and Ladakhi mask dances.