Sir,
A news item ” Art Treasure of Jammu being taken to Kashmir ” appeared in your esteemed paper dated April 18, 2016. The contents of the news are most shocking and disturbing. The decision to shift paintings, sculptures etc. from Jammu to Srinagar is ill conceived and goes against the very basic purpose of formation of J and K Academy of Art , Culture and Languages , which is mandated with the express aim of promoting Art and Culture of all regions of the state in a most equitable manner. This precious artistic treasure which has been acquire by the Academy over more than past five decades and is created by the top artistes of the country, needs to be preserved and showcased as the pride possession of this region. On the other hand , very surprisingly, these artifacts are being shifted to Srinagar on the flimsy grounds of paucity of space and hot weather conditions.
This unwise step of the Govt. is likely to arouse suspicion in the minds of people belonging to this region, of a sinister design behind this move. Rather than initiating steps to create a suitable space in Jammu for these invaluable pieces of art – which is the prime duty of the Academy – the authorities have embarked upon this misadventure. Academy must share with public the efforts it has made to create appropriate space in Jammu for the proper storage / exhibition of these Artifacts. The excuse of hot weather is laughable. If hot weather is one of the reason for this transfer, then all museums and art galleries of India should be closed and their possessions should be transported to Srinagar, Shimla or such other cooler places.
Before this issue takes an ugly turn and snowballs into a major embarrassment for the Govt. , it will be most expedient on the part of the Govt. to put a stop to such a move which has the potential to create division or suspicion. Govt. must ensure either to identify or to create appropriate space to retain this valuable treasure in Jammu.
Yours etc……
Lalit Mangotra
Jammu
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