Literary festival marks conclusion of three-day ‘The Tawi Festival’

Youth full of creative talent, needs to be channelized in proper direction: Dr Rashmi Singh

JAMMU, February 27: The three-day Tawi Art Festival concluded with the holding of the Literature Festival at the Amar Mahal Museum and Library here today.

This grand literary event was inaugurated by Dr Rashmi Singh, Commissioner State Taxes, Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory in the gracious presence of former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and founder of the Amar Mahal Museum & Library, Dr. Karan Singh; Dr Jyotsna Singh, Director of the Amar Mahal Museum & Library; M.K Ajatshatru Singh and Kanwarni Ritu Singh besides a number of prominent persons from across the nation.

Commissioner State Taxes, J&K, Dr Rashmi Singh, in her address, said “I have been witnessing diversity of cultures in Jammu. The people, especially the youth of the region are full of talent and creativity which needs to be channelized properly. Due to lack of guidance youth are not able to channelize their energy in the right direction. The platforms like this festival can play a great role in honing their creative talent.”

“Today when the world has been reduced to a global village there is always apprehension of rich local culture getting lost in the gloss of modernity. Therefore there is a dire need to create a fine balance between the two so that the originality of the region is not lost. Only a fine blend of ethnic culture and heritage with modernity can ensure that the rich culture and tradition of the region and its people continues to be our identity in the present day scenario. For this all the stakeholders need to make the young generation aware about their rich cultural ethos as it is they who will be carrying this rich legacy forward and also to their progeny,” Dr Rashmi Singh added.

Dr Rashmi appealed to the youth to participate in such events in large numbers and become proactive partners in the significant journey exploring our rich culture and tradition and preserve and promote it as our real identity in this modern world.

Prof Shyam Lal (Retd) from the Department of History spoke on cultural developments during the period of Dogra rule.

Shailendra Singh, Dogri writer, spoke about his work and experience of contemporary vernacular writing while Khalid Hussain staged a presentation of his work as Punjabi short story writer.

Swami Antar Nirav mesmerized the audience by reciting his poems in Pahari and Urdu languages.

Suman Sharma, writer & translator; Bhavneet Kaur, Author in conversation with Lalit Gupta, Critic & Curator interacted with the participants thus creating a vibrant literary atmosphere.

A guided walk through the library and a display of a selection of rare books in the Amar Mahal collection was yet another distinctive feature of today’s event.

Dr Jyotsna Singh in her address said “Excellent response to the Tawi Art Festival by the people enjoying every component/session linked to the art, culture and heritage of J&K has been a source of great encouragement.” There is much more in the heritage of Jammu and Kashmir as the art, culture and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir is endless and having everything to offer to the present and future generations, she added.

Dr Jyotsna emphasized that the young people must interact with living treasures who are associated with our rich art and culture in preserving the heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and assured that this festival will be an annual feature in coming years.