Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 19: Padmashri Balwant Thakur, a renowned cultural figure and former Cultural Diplomat, met Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Srinagar today to share his concerns regarding the cultural development of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, Thakur presented a monograph outlining his journey as a playwright, theatre director, and cultural administrator.
He highlighted the need for professional management of cultural institutions to preserve and promote the Union Territory’s rich tangible and intangible heritage.
With over four decades of experience in the cultural field, Thakur shared his vision for strengthening art and culture in J&K.
He emphasized the importance of quality productions and the need to revitalise institutions to achieve excellence.
Thakur, who served as Secretary of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for eight years, is credited with reviving the cultural scene in the region.
Later, as Regional Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, he facilitated cultural exchanges between Jammu and countries such as Germany, Russia, Spain, Poland and Mauritius, and also promoted J&K’s culture globally in countries like Japan, France and Egypt.
He expressed concern that J&K’s cultural prominence has declined in recent years due to substandard presentations.
He urged the Government to address the issues affecting quality and to empower cultural bodies at regional, zonal and national levels.
The Union Minister appreciated Thakur’s contributions and expressed interest in using his global experience to improve the cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
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