Principal Secretary, Culture inaugurates   programme on “ Traditional Arts ” at IIT Jammu Campus

Jammu 9^th of February 2024:Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary ,  Department of Culture, today  inaugurated  a day-long programme titled “Understanding Traditional Art of Jammu” at the IIT Jammu campus here today. Organized by the Kala Kendra Society, Jammu, in collaboration with IIT Jammu, the event aimed to delve into the rich heritage of traditional arts in the region.

Medhavi Sharma, a noted artist, was the key speaker who  shared her profound experiences in exploring and disseminating the traditional art forms of the region, particularly focusing on the ‘Parola’ wall paintings of the Duggar region and the Basohli Miniature paintings.

In his presidential address, Suresh Kumar Gupta emphasized the significance of preserving the age-old tradition of Parola, along with other dying arts like ‘Ruth Rade’  and Basohli Art. He commended Medhavi Sharma for her exceptional dedication to preserving and promoting traditional arts and directed  the Kala Kendra Society to conduct regular events in educational institutions to nurture an understanding of art among the youth. He also awarded Medhavi Sharma for her contribution for promoting the Traditional art of Jammu.  

Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary of Kala Kendra, stated that the primary objective of the programme, was to provide a platform for emerging artist Medhavi Sharma to share her creative journey and experiences as a traditional art promoter. The event aimed to facilitate meaningful interactions between the students and the artist.

Dr. Quleen Kaur Bijral, Faculty at HSS, IIT Jammu, while emphasizing its significance in educating the youth about the arts of the region expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration between IIT Jammu and Kala Kendra Society.

Dr. Amitash Ojha, Faculty at IIT Jammu, underscored the importance of traditional arts in cultural preservation and identity.

The event was conducted by research scholar Majid Ali, who extended the vote of thanks.

Professors of IIT Jammu, Sanjeev Rana Additional Secretary JKAACL, Research Scholars , students of various  faculties  attended the programme.