“Utsaah,” the Clubs, JU organises the Valedictory Function of the three-day painting workshop

JAMMU, March 12: The Valedictory Function of the three-day painting workshop organised by “Utsaah,” the Clubs, University of Jammu was held in the Ground Floor Seminar Hall of the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium. The workshop was the first event in the series of events lined up for the ten-day multi-arts festival “Duggar Darpan” being organised by “Utsaah” in collaboration with IGNCA, Regional Centre, Jammu.  

Dr. Sayed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary Culture and Tourism Department, the Chief Guest on the occasion while getting nostalgic about his own years as a student of the University of Jammu applauded the initiative of “Utsaah.” Calling the University of Jammu as the “intellectual fountainhead” of Jammu he shared his future goal of making more geospatial venues available for such initiatives. In his address, he also expressed the need for making more platforms available.

In his presidential address, Prof. Naresh Padha, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu expressed his happiness in the reorganising of the academics that have been set forth through the vision of NEP 2020 and is being materialised in the University through the “Utsaah” initiative.

Guest of Honour, Dr Archana Jha Choudhary, Member, PWWA, Madhubani & Miniature Painting Artist appreciated the newly established clubs and offered her lifetime support and membership to the Painting Club of “Utsaah.”Prof. Satnam Kour, Chairperson, Utsaah, The Clubs, University of Jammu in her welcome address, while appreciating the commendable effort on the part of the Painting Club in contributing to the restoration and dissemination of the cultural heritage of the region through the art pieces created during these three days also expressed her appreciation for Dr SayedAbid Shah and Dr. Archana Jha Choudhary’s engagement as patrons, which she thought would not only encourage the artists but leave an indelible impression on their minds. She was filled with gratitude for the academic initiatives of Prof Naresh Padha, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu and the support of Ms Shruti Awasthi, Director, Regional Centre, IGNCA.

She introduced the coordinators of the respective clubs to the audience and shared the future line of events for the festival. On the occasion, Sooraj, mesmerised the audience conjuring the local flavour with his vocals.  

The programme commenced with the felicitation of the special guests with the art pieces of the participants as mementos. Dr. SayedAbid Rashid Shah was presented with a portrait of himself which was created by Ajay Kumar, also the artist behind the murals adorning the city of Jammu, lately. The programme concluded with an official vote of thanks being offered by Dr Chinmoyee Maharana.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion and enjoyed the exhibited paintings were: Prof. Suman Jamwal, Dr. Parmil Kumar, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, SSVC, Dr. Sadaf Shah, Dr. Garima Gupta,Dr. Suvidha Khanna, Dr. Madhulika Singh, Dr. Pritam Singh, Rakesh Sharma, and Dr. Priya Dutta. The programme was compered by Ms Sheetal Lalotra.